Floral elements of stone fruit blossom, and briney, oyster shell notes are interwoven with aromas of fresh cashews.
Maturation
Average 30% new, with the balance in one to five year old.
Palate
The palate is striking for its persistence. There is an air of place, with a long, saline acid structure, kaffir lime leaf and roasted hazelnut flavours all in abundance. Absolutely stunning and delicious.
Vinification
Each vineyard batch was whole bunch pressed and fermented separately in French oak puncheons. Approximately 50% of the puncheons were selected to undergo partial malo-lactic fermentation. After almost 10 months in barrel, the vineyard components were blended and retained in tank for two months prior to bottling.
Cellaring Potential
2024 - 2035.
Range Notes
The Reserve Chardonnay represents a blend of our most prized Chardonnay vineyards, unique due to their southerly location and easterly disposition.
Vintage Notes
A cooler and slightly damper than average spring led to smaller but intense crops from the harvest of 2024. Post January, the prevailing conditions were dry and warm, ensuring that fruit ripened evenly and the grapes were in great condition for harvest.
Region Notes
The Reserve Chardonnay is a wonderful representation of our old Estate at Merricks with the KBS vineyard as the core component.