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2021 Clairault Margaret River Chardonnay

Blend

100% Chardonnay

Vineyard

79% Bridgeland Vineyard, Karridale
21% Ironstone Vineyard, Wilyabrup

Growing

The cooler growing conditions at our southern Bridgeland Vineyard combined with the Clone 5 chardonnay planted here provide desirable characters for this wine. We blend in a portion of Gingin clone chardonnay from our Ironstone Vineyard to delivers additional depth. Handpicking of our chardonnay began on the 5 February 2021 at Ironstone Vineyard.

Winemaking Note

The fruit for our Chardonnay is harvested and pressed as both whole cluster and cold crushed fruit, in order to sculpt wines boasting great length, texture and sophistication, as well as density of fruit and a bold complex palate. The juice is barrel fermented in roughly 40% new, 30% 2nd fill and 30% 3rd fill French oak barriques. It is then aged in oak for 9 months.

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, and February saw large rain events and high humidity. High attention to detail was required in the vineyard, 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

Fresh pear flesh, lemon zest, jasmine and creamy notes laced with cinnamon and cashews.

Palate

Stone fruit, spice and brioche on the entry, guided by crisp natural acid and foundational fine tannin and pure fruit flavour. Persistent, rich and poised, the finish is utterly mineral, quenching and long.

Cellaring

Up to 8 years, however we enjoy it for freshness now.

Alcohol

13%

Accolades

93/100 - The Vintage Journal, 2024

In Stock

Wine Specs

Vintage

2021

Varietal

Chardonnay

Acid

6.93g/L

3.26

Aging

Up to 8 years, however we enjoy it for freshness now.

Fermentation

Barrel, MLF

Residual Sugar

1.30g/L

Alcohol %

13.5

Wine Profile

Ratings

Silver - James Halliday Chardonnay Challenge

Vineyard Notes

Bridgeland, Ironstone & Clairault Vineyards

Production Notes

The fruit for our Chardonnay is harvested and pressed as both whole cluster and cold crushed fruit, in order to sculpt wines boasting great length, texture and sophistication, as well as density of fruit and a bold complex palate. 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 roughly 40% new, 30% 2nd fill and 30% 3rd fill French oak barriques. A portion of wine is allowed to undergo malolactic fermentation, to broaden the palate and add additional complexity to both the aromatics and the texture of the wine. The rest 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, after which the wine is removed from barrel, clarified and bottled.

Other Notes

After an unseasonable dry early Winter, late rains in August and September came to the rescue. Budburst commenced in early August and continued until late September. Significant rain events persisted through to mid-October, with conditions fining up through the flowering period enabling successful flowering and fruit set. Vine growth was excellent and excess vigour issues were dealt with by employing shoot thinning and vine de-legging practices, in a successful attempt to deter regrowth and crowding of fruit zone areas. Harvest began on the 27th January, in line with the earliest picking dates on record, trailing out until completion on the 13th April.