Tasting Notes
M H's oldest vines have produced an alluring and powerful example of Margaret River Chardonnay. Aromas of ripe loquat and peach flesh give way to nuances of fresh pineapple and light brioche dough. The palate is multi-layered with ripe peach, crème caramel and underlying natural ferment characters. Textural layers are supported by persistent mineral acidity, combining power and grace.
Winemaker Trent Carroll
Winemaking
Whole bunch pressing proceeds to a primary fermentation after an overnight settling. Natural yeasts get the job done, macro oxygenation preferment ensures these site yeasts flourish, and in doing so they enhance the expression of the Calgardup Brook persona. The complex and intriguing characters derived from these natural yeasts are further played out by ageing the wine in contact with the spent yeast cells giving patisserie notes. Maturation is conducted in 20% new barriques from two French coopers. The wine remains undisturbed with some sulphur in the spring prior to a December bottling.
Vineyards
Located on the bend of the Margaret River, the Burnside Vineyard grows on unique micaceous black soils. The chardonnay rows are on a steep northerly aspect with rows running in a north-west, south-east orientation.
Season
A wild and wet spring resulted in lower yields across all white varieties due to the unsettling effect of wind and rain on the delicate flowering period. Rainfall through December resulted in moderate temperatures however supplied required moisture to the soil ensuring sound ripening conditions. A heatwave in early February brought sugar development forward however grape acids held well and resulted in a sound and early white harvest. Reds benefited from a protracted ripening period with overcast conditions and light rain events throughout late Feb and early March due to cyclone conditions in the far north. As unnerving as some of these rain events were rewards of full tannin ripeness and flavoursome wines were the results of patience in what was a drawn out season. Another stellar Margaret River vintage!
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