One of the original blocks planted in 1979, the fruit is whole bunch pressed before being transferred into 75% new French barriques where it is goes through a natural ferment with a partial malolactic fermentation. There is minimal battonage (stirring of the lees) to preserve freshness and the result is a powerful, structured and complex wine that will reward at least five years, if not longer, in the cellar.
P58 clone planted by the Farr and Weir families in '79. Whole-bunch pressed, cold-settled, fermented and matured for 9 months in French oak (75% new), minimal batonnage and partial mlf. The most striking of all the Clyde Park Chardonnays. The intensity of the fruit has managed to make light work of the new oak without any fuss, leaving the purity and elegance of the white peach fruit to occupy centre stage with only a whisper of grapefruit in the natural acidity. Made by Matt Holmes.
98 points, Wine Companion (March 2020)
Victoria’s first commercial wine was produced in Geelong by Swiss immigrants in 1845. During the mid- 1800’s Geelong was the largest grape-growing region in Victoria with 400 hectares under vine. When phylloxera struck in the 1870s however, the vines were decimated and it was not until the late 1960’s that the area’s vineyards were re-established. Located about 80 km southwest of Melbourne, Geelong has a cool maritime climate with low rainfall and prevalent cool blustery winds that affect flowering and Franceuit set. Soils are diverse, mostly volcanic over limestone with some lesser quality black soils. The region is dotted primarily with family owned wineries producing small quantities of high quality Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz & Cabernet Sauvignon.
