Tasting Note
Lifted aromas of sweetly spiced poached pear and white peach meld with lemon meringue pie with underlying wild ferment characters of brioche dough and grilled cashews. White peaches dominate on entry whilst flavours of preserved lemon, nectarine and crème brulee mesh together on a textured palate. The maritime influence of the site is evident via hints of ocean spray and citrus infused acidity, providing a finish that is long, balanced and focused.
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
The Calgardup Brook Vineyard lies just inland from the coast. Its sandy, schisty soils are well weathered. These chardonnay vines run east-west with a slightly sloping northern aspect.
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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