2019 Apsley Gorge Vineyard Chardonnay

Established in 1988 this tiny vineyard is planted to Pinot Noir (5.5 hectares) and Chardonnay (1 hectare) and is located several kilometres inland from the coast near the entrance to the Apsley Gorge national Park north-west of Bicheno. The vineyards unique location near the entry to the gorge brings breezes in the afternoon which have a distinct cooling effect. As a result this vineyard is typically one of the last to harvest in Tasmania, usually being around the first week of May.
Always aiming for full phenolic ripeness the style of wines produced are rich and intense characterised by fully ripe fruit made using Burgundian know-how with texture, finesse and excellent natural acidity. Only a small percentage of new oak is used.

From a warmer year, this superb wine draws comparisons to top flight Californian Chardonnay.

Deep straw in colour with pale gold edges and a watery hue. Soaring out of the glass are hedonistic aromatics of ripe yellow peach, nectarine, honeycomb and lemon butter which are trailed by roasted almond, butterscotch and spicy nougat notes. Rich and opulent in its textural feel, the palate boasts superb concentration and power delivering an expansive flavour profile of luscious peaches, honeycomb, crème brulee and butterscotch. Elements of oily cashew, bacon fat and spice fill out the back half. Fat and heavy but beautifully counterpointed by balanced lively acidity, it finishes fresh yet creamy with a very long and decadent aftertaste.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 14%