Applejack Vineyard Chardonnay
2023 Chardonnay
Yarra Valley, Victoria
Wine Details
- Region Yarra Valley, Victoria
- Vintage 2023
- Type White Wine
- Variety Chardonnay
- Volume 750ml
- Alcohol Volume 13%
- PH
3.09
- Acidity
7.8
- Closure ScrewCap
- Bottling Date
November, 2023
- Harvest Date
March, 2023
- Background
Single Vineyard
- Vintage Notes
2023 was a small, high-quality vintage in the Yarra Valley. The season was defined by a cool Spring, a mild growing season, cool nights, and medium to high rainfall. 2023 was one of the coolest and latest harvests on record, with our first pick starting two and a half weeks later than the previous average. The grapes in 2023 had lovely fruit concentration with bright natural acidities. The mild summer meant long, slow ripening and flavour concentration throughout summer, with some well-placed rain in January refreshing the vineyards at just the right time. The strong canopies and low fruit load meant we sailed neatly into picking with very little disease or weather pressure affecting our picking decisions. The grapes from 2022 came off the vine with lovely concentration and flavour and great natural acidity.
- Vineyard Notes
Location: Gladysdale Planted: 1997 Elevation: 220-320 metres Soil type: Grey clay loam over black (basalt) volcanic base Aspect: East facing slopes Size: 12.5 hectares Applejack Vineyard is a special site, located on a dramatic slope in the upper Yarra Valley and is closely planted and fastidiously managed. It was planted by respected viticulturist Ray Guerin in 1997. The basalt based underlying volcanic soil and rock produce a characteristically fine yet extended, spicy and firm palate. The higher altitude results in a cooler and extended growing season, ideally suited to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (3-4 weeks later than central Yarra Valley). Chardonnay from Applejack requires lots of attention to detail in the vineyard, with focus put on crop loads and fruit exposure to ensure even ripeness and acid levels. This chardonnay is savoury, with lovely notes of lemon rind and grilled nuts.
- Winemaking
100% handpicked and whole bunch pressed. The juice was then transferred directly to barrel by gravity with no settling, taking full lees. Wild fermented in 500L French oak puncheons. No bâtonnage. No Malolactic fermentation. Maturation for 9 months in used French oak – 25% 2nd use, 75% seasoned, Mercurey, Taransaud and Dargaud & Jaeglé.
- Peak Drinking / Cellaring Potential
Now - eight years
Wine Details
- Region Yarra Valley, Victoria
- Vintage 2023
- Type White Wine
- Variety Chardonnay
- Volume 750ml
- Alcohol Volume 13%
- PH
3.09
- Acidity
7.8
- Closure ScrewCap
- Bottling Date
November, 2023
- Harvest Date
March, 2023
- Background
Single Vineyard
- Vintage Notes
2023 was a small, high-quality vintage in the Yarra Valley. The season was defined by a cool Spring, a mild growing season, cool nights, and medium to high rainfall. 2023 was one of the coolest and latest harvests on record, with our first pick starting two and a half weeks later than the previous average. The grapes in 2023 had lovely fruit concentration with bright natural acidities. The mild summer meant long, slow ripening and flavour concentration throughout summer, with some well-placed rain in January refreshing the vineyards at just the right time. The strong canopies and low fruit load meant we sailed neatly into picking with very little disease or weather pressure affecting our picking decisions. The grapes from 2022 came off the vine with lovely concentration and flavour and great natural acidity.
- Vineyard Notes
Location: Gladysdale Planted: 1997 Elevation: 220-320 metres Soil type: Grey clay loam over black (basalt) volcanic base Aspect: East facing slopes Size: 12.5 hectares Applejack Vineyard is a special site, located on a dramatic slope in the upper Yarra Valley and is closely planted and fastidiously managed. It was planted by respected viticulturist Ray Guerin in 1997. The basalt based underlying volcanic soil and rock produce a characteristically fine yet extended, spicy and firm palate. The higher altitude results in a cooler and extended growing season, ideally suited to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (3-4 weeks later than central Yarra Valley). Chardonnay from Applejack requires lots of attention to detail in the vineyard, with focus put on crop loads and fruit exposure to ensure even ripeness and acid levels. This chardonnay is savoury, with lovely notes of lemon rind and grilled nuts.
- Winemaking
100% handpicked and whole bunch pressed. The juice was then transferred directly to barrel by gravity with no settling, taking full lees. Wild fermented in 500L French oak puncheons. No bâtonnage. No Malolactic fermentation. Maturation for 9 months in used French oak – 25% 2nd use, 75% seasoned, Mercurey, Taransaud and Dargaud & Jaeglé.
- Peak Drinking / Cellaring Potential
Now - eight years
Kind Words & Accolades
