Margaret River Chardonnay 2005

Winemaker’s Notes:
Our winemaking is unobtrusive in an effort to preserve classic flavors whilst building on them with subtle oak and lees stirring. The aim is to provide oak complexity and richness that is balanced and well-integrated with fruit characters. The wine spends up to 8 months in oak barriques, with 40% of the blend undergoing barrel fermentation. This introduces some very attractive oak flavors that are integrated yet subtle. The wine has not been through malo-lactic fermentation. The lees stirring provides a pronounced creaminess which enhances the texture and overall complexity of the wine.

Color: Mid straw with a green tint.
Nose: Exhibits lemon and lime characters with pear and peach. Subtle complex notes of cashew and shortbread from lees and oak influence.

Palate: Fresh hay, stonefruit and pear notes with a fresh, clean, intensely flavored palate that is well-balanced and of excellent length. Succulent acidity combines with subtle oak characters of spice and toast which contributes to the wines overall complexity and structure.

Technical Information:
Appellation: Margaret River
Cellaring: Up to 8 months in oak (principally French)
Release Date: May 2006
Alcohol Content: 14.5%