Cool climate Chardonnay characters prevail with grapefruit, melon, white stone fruit, mineral and a hint of struck match. The palate shows richness despite the lack of malolactic fermentation, principally from the vines now over 40 years of age.
Half of the grapes were sourced from the Fighting Gully Road vineyard; and the other from
'Smiths' vineyard, the oldest vines in the Beechworth region, planted in 1978. The coolest vintage for many years; the season interspersed with rain events which kept canopies healthy and fruit in perfect condition.
"Twelve months in 300L French Tronçais barrels followed by three months on lees in tank before bottling. Chardonnay, the undoubted strength of Beechworth, was one of the first fruits picked in the '24 vintage at FGR, retaining sensational, energised acidity while keeping a pretty tight flavour profile. Spring blossom aromatics mingle with tangy citrus and white peach, grilled nuts and almond nougat with a peach custard-like texture. Clean as a whistle and bright; it moves in a linear line of brisk acidity, going long and dispensing some tart grapefruit pithiness on the finish. It's early days for this little beauty." 95pts | Jeni Port | Wine Companion
No insecticides are used and fungicide selection is careful made to protect predatory mites and other beneficial insects. Soil structure is maintained through minimal application of herbicide; soil cultivation is not practiced. The inter-row is sown to a permanent sward of grasses and legumes, which are seasonally slashed and thrown onto the ground immediately under the vine, to preserve moisture and increase organic matter. Vine prunings are mulched back into the ground to degrade naturally.
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