2020 Chardonnay
$408.00 inc GST
The Wine
6 x 750ml bottles
Tasting Notes
The 2020 Chardonnay is a single vineyard wine, sourced from I10V5 Chardonnay vines growing on the Far Horse block of the Meadowbank Vineyard in the Derwent Valley in Southern Tasmania. Vines in this block were planted in in 2000.
The 2020 growing season was particularly cool. The spring was cold with frequent strong winds slowing shoot growth, causing smaller bunch size and ultimately reducing crop level. Lower than average temperatures prevailed in the lead up to harvest making it a slow ripening year, however grape flavours built and peaked with relatively low sugar levels and abundant natural acidity. This has resulted in wines with moderate levels of alcohol and outstanding balance.
The wine has lifted aromas of citrus peel, grapefruit with the complexity of struck flint and freshly baked pastry. Flavours are tightly wound with a core of sweet lemon curd, cream and cashew, finishing with lively long soft acidity.
The combination of low alcohol, intensity of fruit flavour and the retention of more than 8 grams/litre of natural acidity confers great poise and balance which will lead to enduring freshness and life.
Accolades
- 2021 Royal Hobart Wine Show; GOLD class 7, 2 TROPHIES for Best Tasmanian White Wine & Best Tasmanian Wine.
- 2021 National Wine Show Canberra; GOLD class 12.
- 2022 Tasmanian Wine Show; TOP GOLD class 13, TROPHY International Judge Best Wine.
- 2022 Royal Hobart Wine Show; GOLD class 7, TROPHY for Best Tasmanian White Wine
- 2022 Royal Melbourne Wine Show; GOLD class 14
- 2023 Decanter World Wine Awards; PLATINUM, 97 points
Reviews
Decanter Magazine 2023 – 97 Points
“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”
International Wine Challenge London 2023 – 93 Points
“Sleek, persistent wine with wonderful linearity. A smoky edge lifts up ripe lemon citrus fruit. Exceptional, needs time”
THE VINEYARD
The Chardonnay and Pinot vineyard patches selected by Dawson James were planted in 1989. Consequently vine-age plays an important part in the development of flavour and the balance of the fruit.