A very hot and very dry growing period with vines producing smaller than average crops on Chardonnay. A lot of irrigation required for maintaining vine health and to stop leaf senesce, allowing photosynthesis to continue.
A conscious decision was made to harvest earlier than usual to maintain fresher citrus characters in the final wine.
Hand picked fruit this year was top loaded directly into the press. A gentle pressing cycle allowed free and fast extraction of pristine chardonnay juice. Free run juice press cut only taken for the Sticks Chardonnay. The juice was cooled over a 24 hour stretch with no enzyme added, giving a cloudy juice with only heavy solids settling on the bottom of the tank. After settling, the juice was racked into barrel and other stainless steel vessels for fermentation.
A selection of new and up to 3 year old French oak, and wild fermentation, has produced a wine of texture and interest. Upon the wine completing its alcoholic fermentation in oak and tank, it was left “sur lie” and “battonage” was employed for creating a creamy and softness within the palate and to extend the aromatic profile. This ultimately assisted with the stability of the wine, which means less intervention.
After all batches of the wine had completed their maturation, a selection of wines were blended to create the wine you now enjoy.
Colour: Pale lemon with green hues.
Aroma: White peach, citrus perfume, brioche, lime.
Palate: Nectarine, lime, toast, minerality.
Cellaring: Medium term cellaring for 3-5 years will see this wine continue to integrate within bottle.
Don't Pay: $20
WBW Rating: 91/100
Closure: Stelvin
Region: Yarra Valley Vic
Winemaker: Travis Bush
Drink now until: 2015
Alc/Vol: 11.5 %
