2018 Shadowfax Midhill Chardonnay

100% Chardonnay from the Midhill vineyard in Romsey. Good spring rains set the season up in the Macedon Ranges. Soil moisture continued through to harvest even though there was no rain in January, February and March. The best part of the vineyard was selected based on soil type and careful fruit thinning was performed to increase flavour depth and structure. Fruit was handpicked in pristine condition and firmly whole bunch-pressed to impart some skin contact to release the full flavour profile and impart some phenolic texture. Natural ferment occurred in new (20%) and older French barrels. The wine was left to unwind and age slowly on its ferment lees to add generosity. After 11 months the wine was racked and filtered prior to bottling in February 2019.
Light straw-green hue with brilliant clarity. Kaffir lime, grapefruit and a mineral note shine through on the nose. White floral notes add intrigue. Wild fermentation lees add a bread dough nuance, while a charred bacon note adds further complexity. White peach fuzz and grapefruits spill immediately onto the palate. Lime and sherbet acidity provide focus and length. A concentrated palate is long and intense yet continually develops, while grapefruit pith phenolics add further complexity and structure. A great example of cold-climate Macedon ranges Chardonnay. – Al Timms, Shadowfax