2010 Radford Eden Valley Chardonnay

VINEYARDS & HARVEST

Two parcels of grapes were sourced from small family growers in Eden Valley for this wine.  The Seppelt family vineyards are planted on the southern fringe of Eden Valley on shallow soils on an eastern facing slope.  The March vineyards are almost at the centre of Eden Valley GI on more even terrain and deeper soils.  The grapes were all handpicked into 300kg bins, to ensure that the best quality bunches and pristine grapes were selected. 

VINIFICATION

Gently de-stemmed and basket pressed overnight, without the addition of sulphur.  This wine was made oxidativley and allowed to wild ferment in a combination of a new French puncheon and older oak French hogsheads.   Minimal less stirring during 10 months maturation and arrested malolactic fermentation have highlighted the intense minerality and citrus profile of this chardonnay.

Winemaker's Comments

Having loved a good chardonnay for some time – and always wanting to “have a play” – it took a couple of great vineyards to finally realise the potential of Eden Valley Chardonnay.  Great citrus like characters, with hints of Meyer lemon & lime on the nose and almond kernel nougat following on to the palate.  A little light lees stirring adds mouth feel and complexity and lets the crisp mineral acidity shine through.