Meadowbank Chardonnay 2022

Meadowbank Chardonnay is a precise, cool-climate Chardonnay grown on the P58 clone in the Derwent Valley.

P58 is a ripe-leaning clone, so the picking decisions carry weight. Fruit came in over two passes, the first at 11.5 per cent potential alcohol and the second at 12.5, which secured enough acidity to hold the clone's natural generosity in check. Those vines are the property's oldest Chardonnay, in their thirties, rooted in loose sand and sandstone over dark brown coffee rock full of iron oxides. Whole bunches were pressed directly to puncheons, close to 20 per cent new, for fermentation and roughly a third malolactic. Nine months on lees in wood followed, then bottling without fining or filtration.

Citrus and crunchy stone fruit sit over a rocky mineral palate, with new oak showing as spice more than sweetness. The finish is long and taut. Serve at 12 degrees with roast pork loin, crab, or a wedge of hard sheep's cheese.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.