2022 Holyman Chardonnay

Business as usual for this 0.75 Ha of Chardonnay planted in 1986. The block is mainly spur pruned, and whilst we desire 5 tonnes to the hectare we usually sit around 4 to 4.5. 2022 was 4.8, which is pretty good for us. 100% whole bunch pressed straight to 100% new 500 litre puncheons. Once the natural ferment starts we stir the lees twice a day to keep them moving. Once the primary ferment finishes we sulphur the barrels to stop them going through malo and stop stirring to let them settle. The wine stays on its lees until it is racked after 9 months to let it settle before bottling.

The wine has cardamon and hints of rose water on the nose. The palate is powerful, with some white peach and aniseed. This is a slightly richer style, even at 12% alcohol than our usual wine, but has the acidity and structure to back it up. It certainly packs a punch, but I feel with time that it will mellow and will reward some cellaring over the next 5 to 10 years.

2022 VINTAGE:

I think the 2022 season will end up being considered a very good one for those of us in the Tamar Valley. Whilst some other areas of the State had some inclement weather both before and during harvest, we escaped relatively unscathed. The early part of the season threw up some challenges with some late frosts, and a period where we received some showers most weeks which increased the disease pressure.  However, from about the middle of December through to harvest it dried up, and we had a nice warm summer, without any days where the temperatures got too high.

We started harvest as usual around the second week of March, by then the temperatures had cooled and it meant we were picking nice cold fruit. – Joe & Lou Holyman