So, chardonnay may not be as weird and whacky as some of the other alternative varieties in the Billy Button line-up, but how can you go past its classic characteristics and universal appeal? It may have gone out of fashion for a minute, but it is truly one of the world’s great varieties, and as a winemaker it offers one of the most awesome opportunities to have fun in the winery. The fruit is sourced from the Antonello vineyard at Buffalo Creek, the Greenacres vineyard at Merriang South and the Nicholson Vineyard at Porepunkah.
Vintage Snapshot
2023 was the latest start to vintage that Billy Button has experienced. The cool, wet year produced a season with extreme disease pressure. Our growers did an outstanding job – despite the rain fruit was sound, with great natural acidity.
Production Notes
The 2023 "The Classic” Chardonnay has been produced from three of our grower vineyards within the Alpine Valleys wine region. Each vineyard brings such unique attributes, resulting in a wine that includes a variety of Chardonnay clones including I10VI and the exciting new clone to Australia clone 548.
Each parcel was hand harvested and whole bunch pressed, then filled to barrel with all the goodness of full solids. Fermentation occurs in barrel with a combination of selected wine yeasts and the wild yeasts from the vineyards. Wines are aged on lees for 9 months, with minimal stirring and sulphur added as required to each individual barrel. Approximately 50% malolactic fermentation was also allowed to occur during maturation and a combination of large and small format French oak was used. Careful barrel selection and blending just prior to bottling resulted in approximately 20% new oak.
Tasting Note
Complex and stylish with attractive floral notes, fresh white peach, and a delicate nuttiness. The white stone fruit continues onto a palate that displays cool climate line and focus and an appealing creamy texture (50% malolactic fermentation was required due to the cool year). The wine has an intensity that gives it incredible aging potential.
Optimal Drink Window - drinking well now, likely to peak at 5 years. Cellar up to 10 years.
Technical details
Vineyard: 60% Antonello Vineyard - Buffalo Creek
36.0% Greenacres Vineyard - Merriang South
4.0% Dalbosco Vineyard - Porepunkah
Region: Alpine Valleys
Alcohol: 12.5%
Winemaker: Glenn James and Jo Marsh
Reviews
"Made to be enjoyed upon release, fully formed and in balance. Puts forward a sunny disposition in stone fruits and citrus with a touch of toasted cashews and almond mealiness. Vanillin oak is an attractive adjunct but never intrusive. Tautness and flesh equals all-round good balance." Awarded 92 points, Halliday Wine Companion, Jeni Port - Published 07 August 2024
