2025 Island Belle Chardonnay

6 x 750ml bottles

Tasting Notes
A single vineyard Chardonnay grown on the Meadowbank vineyard in the Derwent Valley in southern Tasmania. Fruit was sourced exclusively from I10V5 clone Chardonnay vines which were planted in 1997.

The 2025 growing season in southern Tasmania was characterized by average rainfall and temperatures. Stable conditions during flowering and fruit set resulted in above average yields.

Vine canopies remained healthy and at ripeness the Chardonnay bunches were pristine with a green-gold hue and bright, zesty flavours. The grapes were hand picked on 25th March.

Following harvest the whole bunches were hand sorted and pressed with the juice passing directly to seasoned French oak barriques and puncheons for natural fermentation. Maturation on yeast lees with regular stirring over 8 months promoted freshness and flavour development. The wine was not moved from the barrel in which it was fermented until being blended immediately prior to bottling.

Zesty fruit characters are highlighted by wafts of citrus blossom and soft, creamy lemon flavours. A round and full palate is balanced by a tension between soft tannin and natural acidity which confers freshness and persistence.