Chardonnay 2018 - Library Wine

Chardonnay, a progeny of Pinot Noir and Gouais Blanc is responsible for the finest white Burgundy. With the right vineyard site, yields not too high, acid not too low, and winemaking skilled, Chardonnay does produce thrilling, savoury, dry, full-bodied wines that will continue to improve in bottle for more than a decade. The wonderfully ideal warm summer of 2018 together with our low yield philosophy produced perfect healthy and flavourful berries with a gentle perfume, ripened to perfection from the 20 year old vines.

I left the fruit on the skins for an extended time to extract the superb flavours. Then gently pressed the must was transferred in 500 litre French oak puncheons (50% new) for a natural (wild yeast) alcoholic fermentation with no residual sugar. Its fine lees has been regularly stirred assisting to the wines remarkable silkiness, complexity and depth. The wine had 18 month in each barrel to mature and flourish but will develop into something even more heavenly with bottle age. No cold stabilization. Unfined and only light filtration to retain all the goodness.

One for the Burgundy lovers. Exquisite complexity with wonderfully ripe, fruit finished with a crystalline and vivacious acidity. Persistent not only on the nose but follows straight through to the last reverberant sip, showing the generosity and rounded texture of a grand cru Chardonnay. 

The beauty of Chardonnay-it matches practically everything. I wine to sip and savour...