'Primrose Lane' Chardonnay
2006

Displaying ripe peach and melon aromas and a touch of citrus complexity on the palate, the oak treatment has imparted a creamy depth and complexity and refined elegance to this wine, the lasting impression is of fresh, crisp fruit in a medium bodied style and a delightful, zesty acid finish.

The Vintage

The 2006 vintage saw some unpredictable weather conditions that provided a few challenges for some growers and winemakers in terms of the timing of harvest, but over-all the the grape quality was considered very good to excellent. There were heavy rains in spring and a mild early summer, followed by sustained warm weather in late February and early March which saw rapid development of flavour and sugar concentrations.

The Chardonnay for this wine came from two separate vineyards that have been owned and nurtured by the Conte family for over fifty years. Situated either side (east and west) of the McLaren Vale township, they have different soil types and even different micro-climates due to their proximity to the sea and its cooling effects. Common to both, however, is the herb 'Evening Primrose' (Oenothera biennis) which bears bright and fragrant yellow flowers that bloom only in the evenings of summer and autumn. It is truly a marvel to see their masses of flowers straining toward the moon on a brightly lit night.

Vinification

Harvested by machine at around 12.5 ° to 13.5 ° Baume the grapes were quickly crushed and pressed before being despatched for fermentation in oak barriques and hogsheads with specially selected yeast strains. This was followed by a portion of the wine being allowed a secondary malolactic fermentation. Afterwards the separate components were clarified and blended before a short period of barrel maturation before bottling.

Technical

Alcohol by volume; 13.0% v/v
pH; 3.46
Titratable Acid; 5.8g/L
Varieties; 100% Chardonnay
Geographical Indication; McLaren Vale, South Australia

Availability

In stock