2021 Clairault Estate Chardonnay
Blend
100% Chardonnay
Vineyard
Bridgeland Block, Karridale
Winemaking Note
The fruit for our Estate Chardonnay is selected from our best blocks of fruit and hand-picked. The fruit is chilled and whole-cluster pressed to retain freshness and cultivate texture and structure. The juice is settled cold and racked after 2 days, harvesting only the lightest and most delicate grape solids to further aid in textural and aromatic development. The juice is barrel fermented in a combination of old and new French oak barriques. The wine is sulphured pre-malolactic fermentation, in order to further preserve fresh fruit aromatics and pure acidity. It is then aged in oak for 9 months and battonaged every two weeks to develop texture and additional palate complexity before bottling.
Vintage Conditions
The 2021 vintage began with a mild spring and sufficient rainfall. The La Niña weather system created a strong cyclone season in the north, resulting in unusual conditions throughout summer. December and January were warm and dry by comparison, and February saw large rain events and high humidity. High attention to detail was required in the vineyard to alleviate disease pressure, and those who put the extra work in, reaped the rewards. The 2021 whites have incredible flavour, with sauvignon blanc and early harvested chardonnay a standout.
Aroma
White pear, jasmine, grapefruit and bees wax.
Palate
Pure, tense and focused. Pear flesh, zest and porcelain-like tannin drive forward a message of serenity and true fruit expression. A lattice of fine French oak, granite and grapefruit pith serve as a platform for an unyielding finish of white flowers, lemon curd and hints of gun-smoke.
Cellaring
Enjoyed for its freshness now, or cellar up to 8 years for further complexity.
Alcohol
13%
Accolades
GOLD - International Wine Challenge 2024