'Multidimensional and giving with an underlying tension...'

97 Points

An intensely complex and inviting nose with aromas of lemon curd, grapefruit rind, orange blossoms and gunsmoke. The medium-bodied palate has a textural mouthfeel and vivid acidity, showing notes of lime zest, mandarin pith, fresh pineapple and cookies. Multidimensional and giving with an underlying tension. Exceptional. Drink or hold.

2023 Heytesbury Chardonnay  A selection of the most unique and striking vineyard sections, recognised for its innovative winemaking, al dente ripeness and distinguishing ‘Heytesbury’ character.  APPEARANCE   Pretty pale-yellow garnet.  NOSE   Wonderfully complex, showing classic aromas of fine stone flint,  lamb fat, and champignon, alongside custard lemon biscuits. Subtle  hints of wet limestone and ocean spray evoke the region’s maritime  influence, while a touch of white leather and sweet new straw bring  savoury notes.  VARIETIES   100% Gingin Clone Chardonnay  HARVESTED   15 February - 7 March 2023  PRESSING  Hand harvested, chilled, whole bunches pressed  JUICE TURBIDITY  PALATE   Beautifully structured with long taut acid lines that provide strength  and power. A fine, dry phenolic texture adds a layer of tension,  complimenting the wine’s depth.  The palate evolves with lingering  flavours of grapefruit, clotted cream and hints of ginger and lime leaf.  WINEMAKER COMMENTS  Our most unique small vineyard sections where the Gingin clone  on specific aspect and soil, interplay in such a way to ignite very  special varietal and wild yeast influence. A similar harvest time to the  reasonably late year last year due to cold spring conditions. However,  dry conditions and a sunny mild January saw ripening speed up  with flavour and sugar reaching ideal ripeness with high acidity, so  natural MLF was allowed to complete. Delicate flavours held tightly,  resulted in beautiful restraint and balance. Hand-harvested, whole bunches were pressed and transferred direct to barrel as unclarified  juice. Fermented with natural yeasts from the vineyard, then nurtured  in our cellar for 9 months in oak with some lees stirring, then 7  months harmonising in tank on full lees before filtering and bottling.  100% Gingin clone and true to Heytesbury perfume and structure.  A savoury, delicate and beautifully structured wine, showcasing  impressive complexity from a dry, cool year.  VINTAGE DESCRIPTION  A cool dry spring delayed vine development by 2-3 weeks, allowing  time to open canopies which paid off come veraison. December,  January and February brought consistent dry and mild conditions  which saw vine development catch up nicely. Yields and bunch  weights were a highlight, with fruit displaying beautiful balance. Ideal  mild conditions allowed Chardonnay to develop bright acidity and  sound flavour ripeness. March brought three small rain incidents, the  most significant of which occurred post white harvest. Cool evenings  and moderate daytime temperatures with afternoon sea breezes  were ideal for gentle, consistent tannin ripening in our reds which  maintained dense flavour. Low Marri Blossom presence resulted in  the largest netting program since 2019, with bird pressure at a high  during harvest. Overall, vineyard plots have shown excellent balance  with more fruit and canopy, reflecting vine health and minimal heat  stress from a milder season