Chardonnay 2009
Calgardup Brook Chardonnay 2009
Vineyards
Fruit is sourced exclusively from the Calgardup Brook vineyard in the south of the Margaret River region. The Calgardup is a westerly flowing stream, hence the site is open to the sea breezes that have a significant influence on the vineyards of the Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridge, the hills that connect the two Capes on the south and north extremes of the region. Soils are deep, loamy gravels typical of valley bottoms and ideal for chardonnay which does best in moderately fertile and well protected sites. All vines on the McHenry Hohnen vineyards are grown on a single bilateral cordon with a vertically trained canopy. It is a simple and practical format that maximises light penetration and maintains a balanced wine.
Vinification
Hand picking and whole bunch pressing proceeds to a primary fermentation, induced by the grapes’ natural yeasts. The complex and intriguing characters derived from these natural yeasts are enhanced by a partial malolactic fermentation and ageing the wine in contact with the spent yeast cells. Fermentation is conducted in older barrels and the wine remains undisturbed, in the barrels, until it is bottled.
Tasting Notes by Ryan Walsh
An intriguing nose of dried apple and green pawpaw with kiwifruit over guava. On the palate, a baked almond cheesecake crust has a spicy hint of fennel and aniseed. The palate is lightly texured but firm with powdered graphite from the schist like soils. A dry finish from a crisp cool vintage.
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Calgardup Brook Chardonnay 2009
