2023 Stefano Lubiana Estate Chardonnay

The aspect and geography of the Estate Chardonnay blocks vary in range from 25 – 30 metres and 60 – 80 metres in elevation. The vines vary in age between 15 and 30 years old. The soil types of our Estate ranges from grey silty gravel over porous gravelly clay to gravelly and patches of chalky limestone. Low yields of less than 5 tonnes per hectare.

Hand picked grapes are processed immediately. All fruit is pressed first then barrelled by gravity to the underground cellar. The juice, on full solids, fills an assortment of 225L French oak barriques with a balanced level of new oak (20%). The juice’s indigenous yeast now takes the stage and erupts into spontaneous fermentation, bubbling away in our naturally cool and calm underground cellar. Once the wine is dry secondary fermentation begins with inoculation. Barrels are topped regularly and battonaged (stirring of barrel lees) infrequently. The wine matures in these conditions until it is transferred to tank a month prior to bottling.

On the nose our 2023 Estate Chardonnay is intense and powerful showing notes of meyer lemon, nectarine and orange blossom. Hints of honey nougat and crème brûlée enliven the first impression, exhibiting the wine’s opulence. The palate is concentrated with a core of lemon, lemon balm and peach, while there is a creaminess promoting a fully rounded texture. The wine is powerful, and lean with minerality and freshness. This wine is one to enjoy now or can be cellared for 5 to 8+ years. – Monique & Stefano Lubiana