Clairault Estate Chardonnay 2013

Vintage Conditions

The start of the growing season in 2012 provided the ideal maritime "classic" for the 2013 vintage. It began with a wet July, a drier than average August, a wet September, moderate falls in Oct and November and slightly above average falls in December. The new year blessed with a perfect Indian summer, characterised by sunny days until early April. The relatively dry end to the growing season, combined with warmer than long term mean temperatures in January and Feb set up for some spectacular ripening conditions. The early season warmth corresponded to early ripening of the whites and the early ripening of tannins in the reds. The slightly cooler temperature for March allowed gentle and complete ripening of the reds, making it a complete joy to be part of the Margaret River Wine Industry.

Winemaking Note

The fruit for our Estate Chardonnay is selected from our best blocks of fruit and hand-picked. The fruit is chilled and whole-cluster pressed to retain freshness and cultivate texture and structure. The juice is settled cold and racked after 2 days, harvesting only the lightest and most delicate grape solids to further aid in textural and aromatic development. The juice is barrel fermented in 40% new, 30% 2nd fill and 30% 3rd fill French oak barriques. Aged in oak for 9 months and battonaged every two weeks to develop texture and additional palate complexity, after which the wine is removed from barrel, clarified and bottled.

Accolades

95 Points - James Halliday's Wine Companion 2016
95 Points - Ray Jordan's WA Wine Guide 2016
GOLD - Margaret River Wine Show
Bronze - Perth Royal Wine Show
 

Cellaring

This wine has already been cellared for you to enjoy now, but will continue to evolve if kept under suitable conditions.