Aroma
Lifted aromas of citrus and white peach, supported by preserved
lemon, subtle florals and restrained oak influence.
Palate
Medium to full bodied with fine phenolics and fresh acidity.
Flavours of stone fruit and citrus are layered with subtle notes of
nougat and fresh pastry. The finish is long, composed and well
balanced.
Vinification
Medium to full bodied with fine phenolics and fresh acidity.
Flavours of stone fruit and citrus are layered with subtle notes of
nougat and fresh pastry. The finish is long, composed and well
balanced.
Cellaring Potential
Ribbon Vale Chardonnay is attractive in its youth but clearly
structured for extended cellaring. We recommend a minimum of 10
years in bottle, with the potential to develop further complexity over
20 years.
Vintage Notes
The 2024/25 growing season at Ribbon Vale progressed steadily and without
major disruption, allowing both Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc to ripen in a
measured and unforced manner. Calendar year rainfall in 2024 totalled 910mm,
below the long-term average of 1012mm, but sufficient to establish adequate soil
moisture reserves in this dry-grown vineyard.
Spring conditions were ideal. During flowering, Chardonnay received 14.4mm
of rainfall and Sauvignon Blanc 9.4mm. While rainfall at this stage of the season
can influence crop levels, these modest falls occurred under otherwise favourable
conditions and had no negative impact on fruit set. Final yields reflected this,
with Chardonnay cropping at 6.37 tonnes per hectare and Elsa at 7.75 tonnes
per hectare.
As the season moved into summer, temperatures remained moderate, with no
prolonged heat events. The growing season average temperature for Elsa was
20.42°C, effectively identical to the long-term average of 20.43°C, while
Chardonnay recorded a slightly cooler-than-average growing season at 20.07°C
compared with its long-term average of 20.36°C.
From the beginning of January through to harvest, 22.8mm of rain was
recorded. This modest rainfall ensured the vines were not subject to water stress
during the latter part of ripening, while remaining low enough to avoid
dilution. Ripening progressed evenly, with Elsa completing its cycle in 101 days
from flowering to harvest, closely aligned with its long-term average of 100
days. Ribbon Vale Chardonnay recorded 120 days from flowering to harvest,
consistent with its long-term average.
Harvest timing differed slightly between the two wines. Elsa was harvested seven
days later than its long-term average, reflecting the even pace of ripening, while
Ribbon Vale Chardonnay was harvested two days earlier than average,
consistent with timely flavour development.
Taken together, the combination of ideal spring conditions, moderate
temperatures, controlled yields, balanced rainfall and seasonally typical ripening
durations produced wines of clarity, composure and natural balance. The 2025
Ribbon Vale whites reflect these conditions, showing precision, texture and
excellent ageing potential.
