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Clairault Streicker Wines

2020 Clairault Margaret River Chardonnay

2020 Clairault Margaret River Chardonnay

Blend

100% Chardonnay

Vineyard

45% Bridgeland Vineyard, Karridale
42% Ironstone Vineyard, Wilyabrup
13% 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 2020 vintage was unforgettable. The region experienced a perfect growing season with warmer than average spring temperatures and ideal summer conditions. Little to no rain, low disease risk and timely flowering of the Marri trees to distract the birds, eased pressure in the vineyard. The relative ease of vintage was in stark contrast to the happenings of the world at the time, with ferocious bushfires ravaging the East Coast and the Covid-19 outbreak unravelling. Yields were down in 2020 resulting in exceptional fruit concentration.

Aroma

Fresh pear flesh, lemon zest, jasmine and creamy notes laced with cinnamon and cashews.      

Palate

Stone fruit, spice and brioche on the entry, guided by crisp natural acid and foundational fine tannin and pure fruit flavour. Persistent, rich and poised, the finish is utterly mineral, quenching and long.  

Cellaring

Up to 8 years, however we enjoy it for freshness now.

Alcohol

13%

Accolades

91/100 - James Halliday Wine Companion 2023
91/100 - Margaret River Wine Show 2021

In Stock
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$30.00
/ Bottle
SKU: 20CTSCHA
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$360.00
/ Case of 12
 
Wine Specs
Vintage
2020
Varietal
Chardonnay
Acid
6.93g/L
pH
3.26
Aging
Up to 8 years, however we enjoy it for freshness now.
Fermentation
Barrel, MLF
Residual Sugar
1.30g/L
Alcohol %
13.5
Wine Profile
Ratings
Silver - James Halliday Chardonnay Challenge
Vineyard Notes
Bridgeland, Ironstone & Clairault Vineyards
Production Notes
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.
Other Notes
After an unseasonable dry early Winter, late rains in August and September came to the rescue. Budburst commenced in early August and continued until late September. Significant rain events persisted through to mid-October, with conditions fining up through the flowering period enabling successful flowering and fruit set. Vine growth was excellent and excess vigour issues were dealt with by employing shoot thinning and vine de-legging practices, in a successful attempt to deter regrowth and crowding of fruit zone areas. Harvest began on the 27th January, in line with the earliest picking dates on record, trailing out until completion on the 13th April.