'Primrose Lane' Chardonnay
2009

Planted in 1982, the ‘Primrose Lane’ vineyard is situated on the Home Block, 5km east of the McLaren Vale township. These vines have the wild herb ‘Evening Primrose’ (Oenothera biennis) growing under them. They have 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.

It is a fresh, crisp & not too dry wine displaying ripe peach and melon aromas with mild citrus complexity on the palate. Part fermentation in oak followed by partial ‘malo’ has given a creamy depth and refined elegance to this wine. The lasting impression is of fresh, crisp fruit in a medium bodied style, and a delightful zesty citrus finish.

The Vintage

Despite the 35% decrease in the average crop of McLaren Vale caused by the 5 days of 45 degrees or more, the quality was surprisingly high. During this almost unprecedented heat wave in mid February, the effected vines understandably shut down, along with many bunches of grapes at early ripening. There was panic all around, with some harvesting too early before burns and bruises showed. These early harvests were sold off in bulk for use in cheaper non regional wines. Then to every ones relief, the remaining time before vintage was pretty much perfect. Cool & calm, 21-25 degree max and 10-15 degree min’s with cool gully & sea breezes. In a nut shell, beautiful heavenly Autumn weather we McLaren 'Valeans' have grown up in and sometimes take for granted. During this ideal weather, the vines fully regenerated, with abundant new leaves from a couple of much needed nitrogen rich rains. The fruit ripened and developed slowly with rich varietal flavour.

Vinification

The grapes were harvested in the cool of the night, and then whole bunched pressed the following morning while still very fresh & cool. 60% of the juice was despatched to stainless steel for fermentation, the remaining going to French oak barrels, of which 7% were new. Half of the oak fermented portion also underwent secondary malolactic fermentation, which adds a smooth, round and delicate ‘buttery’ character. Finally, the wooded and unwooded components were blended together before bottling.

Technical

Alcohol by volume; 13% v/v
pH; 3.35
Titratable Acid; 6.86g/L
Residual grape sugar; 2 g/L
Varieties; 100% Chardonnay
Geographical Indication; McLaren Vale, South Australia

Availability

In stock