
2019 Clairault Margaret River Chardonnay
Blend
100% Chardonnay
Vineyard
Bridgeland Vineyard, Karridale
Ironstone Vineyard, Wilyabrup
Clairault Vineyard, Wilyabrup
Winemaking Note
The fruit for our Chardonnay is harvested and pressed as both whole cluster and cold crushed fruit, in order to sculpt wines boasting great length, texture and sophistication, as well as density of fruit and a bold complex palate. The juice is settled cold and racked after 2 days, harvesting only the lightest and most delicate grape solids to further aid in textural and aromatic development. The juice is barrel fermented in roughly 40% new, 30% 2nd fill and 30% 3rd fill French oak barriques. A portion of wine is allowed to undergo malolactic fermentation, to broaden the palate and add additional complexity to both the aromatics and the texture of the wine. The rest is sulphured pre-malolactic fermentation, in order to further preserve fresh fruit aromatics and pure acidity. It is then aged in oak for 9 months and battonaged every two weeks to develop texture and additional palate complexity, after which the wine is removed from barrel, clarified and bottled.
Vintage Conditions
The 2019 vintage required high attention to detail in the vineyard and highlighted the benefit of having four diverse vineyards across the Margaret River region. Weather patterns were inconsistent, presenting challenges in budburst and flowering throughout the winter and spring months. A lack of extreme temperatures in summer and autumn combined with leaf-plucking, shoot thinning and bunch thinning encouraged more even ripening. Nets were essential to protect fruit, with a lack of Marri blossom in the region to distract the bees and birds. The resulting low yields presented fragrant wines with succulent natural acidities.
Aroma
Nashi pear, hints of cinnamon, lemon curd and blossoms.
Palate
Flavours of nectarines, brioche and jasmine are underpinned and balanced by a firm natural acidity and viscosity on the palate. A fine finish of yet more white fruits, pristine tannin and driving minerality.
Cellaring
Up to 8 years, however we enjoy it for freshness now.
Alcohol
13%
Accolades
94/100 - National Liquor News
93/100 - Wine Companion 2022
Silver Medal - International Wine & Spirit Competition 2021