Crafted from a harmonious blend of estate-grown fruit sourced from our esteemed vineyards, spanning from the legacy vines planted in 1976 to the recent additions in 2016, Bannockburn Chardonnay embodies a rich tapestry of terroir and heritage. With vineyards including Olive Tree Hill, Winery Block, Stuart Block, Grigsby, and Kelly Lane, each contributing its unique character, and a diverse clonal mix featuring P58, Bernard 76, 95, and 96, this wine showcases the meticulous attention to detail in both vineyard management and winemaking.
Handpicked with precision, the fruit undergoes a gentle whole bunch pressing before settling overnight and finding its home in French oak hogsheads and puncheons, with a judicious 20% new oak infusion. Here, a wild yeast fermentation takes place, followed by a nuanced malolactic fermentation on 70% of the blend, enhancing complexity while preserving freshness. Ten months of maturation on lees, undisturbed, culminates in a wine of unparalleled vibrancy and depth.
In the glass, Bannockburn Chardonnay reveals an enticing bouquet, redolent of ripe stone fruit, zesty citrus, and the mineral essence of wet stone and flint, intertwined with delicate notes of yeast and freshly baked pastry. Subtle hints of spice and smoke from the oak lend further dimension, seamlessly integrated into the wine's fabric. On the palate, the wine dazzles with its youthful energy, displaying a captivating tension and presence, underscored by mouthwatering acidity. With its fresh, bright flavors and unmistakable tautness, this Chardonnay promises an exhilarating journey of evolution and potential.
