Vineyard  //  The Ada River vineyard was planted in 1982 by the Kelleher family at Neerim South in the foothills of Mount Baw Baw in Gippsland. The site is comprised of uniform volcanic soils which run deep into basalt rock. Clonal selection is kept to P58 and I10V1 Chardonnay with the total plantings to chardonnay being just on a hectare. The vineyard is situated at 300m in elevation and has the fortune of 360-degree windbreaks which limit the occasional harsh winds pushing from the snowfields. The vineyard is 100% dry grown, evident through the intense fruit concentration.

Vinification  //  The fruit was hand harvested into 15kg baskets and transferred to the winery, then whole cluster crushed into the press and drained off into tank for settling. Primary fermentation took place in barrique (30% new) over three weeks followed by complete malolactic fermentation. Lees stirring occurred weekly until the completion of malolactic fermentation. The wine was then aged in barrique for ten months. 

Nose  //  White peach, toasted hazelnut, citrus zest, delicate spice, mineral edge.

Palate  //  Generous and powerful, texture filling the mid-palate with authority. Bright, persistent acidity gives tension and energy with subtle oak as support. A distinctive mineral edge runs through, the finish long and commanding.