Chardonnay
Dawson James Chardonnay is sourced from a single patch of I10V5 clone Chardonnay vines that were planted in 2000 on the Far Horse block at Meadowbank. This cool climate site produces flavour ripeness with modest levels of grape sugar.
When ripe, the berries display a green-gold lustre, tangy citrus flavours and ripping minerally acidity. This is the foundation for our powerful long-lived and finely structured Chardonnay wines.
“We have entered a golden era of Australian Chardonnay”
Lester Jesberg, Winewise.
A gentle winemaking approach aims to capture and express inherent fruit quality. Grapes are hand-picked and whole bunch pressed to minimize grape solids in the juice. The juice is fermented in Burgundian coopered French oak barriques, 40% new and is allowed to go through a partial malolactic fermentation until the acidity becomes naturally balanced. Maturation in barrels on yeast lees with regular lees stirring retains freshness as the wine develops structure and complexity.
“Explosive aromas of lime and lemon blossom with nuances of smoky gun flint and a delicious pastry warmth. Sapid and tense with mouth-watering acidity and tightly integrated salty oak finish. Very long and fine.”
2020 Chardonnay – Decanter Magazine 2023 – 97 Points
“pure aromas of juicy white peach and citrus fruits. Hints of soft spice and nougat, lights wafts of struck match, marzipan and white flowers too. Tightly coiled with scintillating acidity and a wash of citrus fruits and oatmeal on the long persistent finish.”
2019 Chardonnay – Halliday Wine Companion 2024, Dave Brooks – 94 Points
COOL CLIMATE WINES
Our grapes are grown on the Meadowbank vineyard, approximately 60 kms northwest of Hobart. Its rugged topography is bounded by the fast flowing, pristine waters of the Derwent River. These grapes are used to create our unique Chardonnay and Pinot Noir single vineyard wines.