'Primrose Lane' Chardonnay
2007

Displaying ripe peach and melon aromas and a touch ofcitrus complexity on the palate, the oak treatment has imparted a creamy depth and complexity. The oak plays a supporting role and is quite restrained, with the overall impression being one of refined elegance. This is a fresh, crisp dry wine in a medium bodied style and with a delightful, zesty acid finish.

The Vintage

The 2007 vintage was a difficult one in most areas of Australia, with drought conditions exacerbated by spring frosts that decimated many vineyards. Thankfully, McLaren Vale missed most of the frost damage, but yields were none-the-less reduced because of the dry conditions. Late rain in January interrupted a vintage that had started much earlier than usual, but the warm weather quickly dried everything and fruit remained in good condition.
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 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. The grapes were machine harvested in the cool of night and quickly trucked to the winery where they were immediately processed.

Vinification

After crushing the majority of the juice was despatched to stainless steel for fermentation, with 10% going to French oak. Half of the oak fermented portion also underwent secondary malolactic fermentation, with the objective of delivering a delicate creamy character to the final wine. Finally, the wooded and unwooded components were brought together before bottling.

Technical

Alcohol by volume; 13.5% v/v
pH; 3.32
Titratable Acid; 7.10g/L
Varieties; 100% Chardonnay
Geographical Indication; McLaren Vale, South Australia

Awards and Accolades

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Silver Medal, 2007 'Primrose Lane' Chardonnay International Wine Masters Challenge, Portugal View Editorial  |  Visit Web Reference EDITORIAL: The “Wine Masters Challenge” - World Wine Contest, is already been deemed by experts as a barometer for the world wine sector activity. The 2009 event will be the biggest ever, including a jury of 600 qualified technicians from 51 countries. The event will be held in Estoril from March 26th to March the 29th at an Estoril Hotel. The International Wine Challenge offers producers the chance to have their wines endorsed using the most rigorous of judging processes - every wine entered is assessed at least twice, and the medal winners will be judged anywhere from 3 to 6 times. Staging such a seamless two-week competition is no easy task and requires a year of planning.

Availability

Limited stock