Winemaker's Notes:

The wine has citrus aromas of grapefruit and lemon, with fig and pear overtones. The palate has restrained fine fruit with a long finish and good persistence. This Chardonnay is a nicely balanced wine that is drinking well now.

50% of fermentation took place in small, open-top fermenters, with hand plunging three times a day. The other 50% took place in French oak (228L) where 10% was new. Cultured yeasts were used to ensure completion of fermentation. The wines were pressed and then aged in barrel, allowing for malolactic fermentation. The wine was matured in French oak at medium toast level for 9 months.

Viticulture:

2005 was a cool, late vintage with no disease with grapes harvested in mid March. The age of the vines are 15 years old, which are harvested in a combination of hand harvesting and machine harvesting with no maceration on skins.

Reviews:

“ Rating 93.
A pure wine; a lighter version of the Reserve, with melon and citrus in distinctive regional parameters, the length of palate being its major strength. Great value. ” — James Halliday, Wine Companion 2008

“ 90 Points. ” — Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

“ Made from all estate-grown fruit, this Yarra Valley wine has melon and stone fruit on the nose and palate. Its crispness and freshness on the finish are pure deight. ” — Sally Gudgeon, The Age Sunday Life Magazine March 2007

“ 5 Stars.
An impressive follow-up to the 2004, which I liked a lot. It's very fine and delicate with well-balanced and subtle, understated oak. The fine lingering acidity sustains a long-focused palate. A good wine worth seeking. ” — Ray Jordan, The Sunday Times Magazine May 2007