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Old vine Dijon and P58 clone chardonnay were picked separately when they reached optimal ripeness. The fruit was chilled overnight in a cold room. This was followed by gentle whole-bunch pressing, oxidative handling and transfer into separate tanks and settling overnight. The juice was then mixed and transferred to 2 x 500L French oak puncheons (100% second fill) to undergo fermentation taking all solids with the juice. During maturation the barrels were stirred occasionally to thicken the palate and maximize flavour potential. These barrels went through some natural malolactic fermentation (50%). The wine was left on yeast lees until December to develop structure; it was then carefully transferred to tank to prepare for bottling. The wine was bottled December 2024, 10 months after harvest. These black label wines have been held in bottle for another 10 months to develop and show at their best for you.
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The 2024 growing season began with mild temperatures during Spring. However, heavy rainfall from December to February presented challenges, with up to 70mm of rain prior to the critical flowering period reducing berry size. Further rainfall in January meant disease pressure was high. Our site, being located at lower elevation and further north on the peninsula, proved crucial during this time as the Dexter vineyard retained clean, disease-free fruit. Cool temperatures during late summer produced ideal ripening and the grapes retained high levels of natural acidity along with great concentration.
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Sugar: 22.2 Brix
pH: 3.26
Acid: 8.25
Harvest date: 1st week of March
Clones: Dijon (70%), P58 (30%)
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Alcohol 13.0 %
pH 3.36
Acid 6.5 g/l