Delamere Vineyards were planted in 1982 in the Pipers River region in northeast Tasmania making it one of the oldest plantings not only in the region but in Tasmania. They have 6.5ha under vine and its age makes it a rare resource in Tasmania. The ironstone rich soils are perfectly suited to the cultivars of pinot noir and chardonnay, and was established in the traditional French design used in Burgundy and Champagne. The deep red Ferrosol soils offer great fertility, excess water drainage and moisture retention, meaning that irrigation is not required. The vineyard is densely planted (7500 vines per ha) and has a vertical shoot position trellis system with a very low fruiting wire, some 60cm off the ground. The low yield per vine and the reflective heat from the ground produces wines with superior depth of flavour and ripe well-developed tannins. Vine age and subsequent natural balance are key factors in the consistent production of wines with great structure and harmony.
Delamere Chardonnay
Every aspect of making this wine seeks to allow the vineyard characteristics to shine through, developing a complexity and texture that truly cool climate chardonnay fruit can carry so well. Carefully hand harvested from Delamere's oldest vines in the cool of the morning, the fruit is pressed directly into Burgundian coopered French oak and allowed to undergo natural wild fermentation. Partial malolactic fermentation and months of lees stirring are an integral part of crafting this wine.
Tasting Notes
The wine has lots of white stone fruit notes along with subtle marzipan hints from the oak maturation. The palate is textural but the stone fruit flavours ensure great persistence and drive. A very classy Chardonnay.
