Kelly Washington Chardonnay 2019

With our Kelly Washington Chardonnay we are constantly striving to strike a fine balance between structure, reduction and acidity. A slight change in style to incorporate the use of no new oak, mainly due to volume restrictions ( but also some genuine curiosity! ) has aided in creating a style that is focused even more so on the impact of using a high proportion of lees in small vessels. Showing complex savoury aromas that follow though onto the palate, also notes of melon and almonds. The palate is defined and elegant, yet concentrated and finishes with a long, delicious, citrus acidity.

Sourced from the Rapaura Vineyard, 23 year old clone 15 chardonnay grown on sandy loam over clay.

Hand harvest and 100% whole bunch pressed, the wine commenced fermentation naturally after 3 days, on full lees using wholly native yeast. The wine fermented in two second fill French Oak puncheons.

The wines matured on full lees for 10 months, in the oak vessels above. No stirring. 100% malolactic fermentation was achieved before the wines were bottled unfined, but with a coarse filtration.