Spinifex Chardonnay 2023

Spinifex Chardonnay is a barrel-fermented Chardonnay from twenty-two-year-old vines at Norton Summit in the Adelaide Hills.

The Morialta vineyard has supplied this wine since 2021. It is low-yielding, faces north-east on the western edge of the hills, and is farmed entirely by hand, from pruning and bunch-thinning through to harvest. Bunches came in cold in the morning, were chilled again overnight, then destemmed, crushed and left four hours on skins before a gentle press to barrel with 30 per cent new oak. Partial malolactic conversion followed, then ten months with occasional lees stirring. Pete Schell learned his Chardonnay at Mountadam in the Eden Valley, back when that was the Australian reference point for the variety.

Polished and layered, with grapefruit, nectarine, toasted hazelnut and a long, mouthwatering acid line holding it all together. Serve at 12 degrees. Grilled snapper, roast pork with fennel, or a bowl of pasta with cream and peas.

*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.