Rochford Single Vineyard 'Terre' Chardonnay 2019
RRP: $60.00
96 Points - Halliday Wine Companion
“…The wine is vibrantly crisp and fresh, its purity and, above all, its length. That length is special, a single depiction of the Yarra Valley's ability to make great chardonnay.”
- James Halliday 2022
95 Points - The Wine Front 2021
95 Points - The Real Review 2022
‘Terre’ translates from French to ‘Earth’ relates to the shallow soil profile over a seam of granite bedrock under the vines from which this wine is made.
Tasting Notes:
Pale to medium yellow straw. This Chardonnay has delicate yet complex aromas of fresh arrowroot spice, citrus zest and wet concrete that mirrors the granite rich bedrock this wine was grown on. The palate has a clear, laser straight acid definition and amazing length around which are wrapped flavours of lemon tart, kaffa lime cordial, and a fine talc like minerality. The oak is finely crafted with a delicate veneer of baked blonde brioche to finish the palate.
Winemaking Notes:
Hand-picked on the 3rd of March
Vinification & Elevage: Fruit is whole bunch pressed with full juice solids to mix of French and Austrian oak barriques and puncheons (25% new) for fermentation. Wine is sulphured without any malolactic conversion or further lees stirring. 10 months on lees in oak.
Viticultural Notes:
Chardonnay clone: Block 1 - I10V3
The grapes for this wine are from a vineyard in Gembrook and is the southernmost vineyard in the Yarra Valley. Whilst known for its volcanic derived red soils, this vineyard sits on a Granite outcrop. These quartz rich soils are perfect for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Optimal conditions for both flowering and fruitset in the vineyards gave well balanced yields with plenty of promise leading into the 2019 harvest. A dry January and February followed, culminating in a relatively compressed vintage, though attention to detail in the vineyards gave winemakers wonderfully balanced fruit with concentration of flavour and exceptional natural acidity.
Varietal:
Chardonnay 100%
Alcohol:
12.8%
Contains sulphites. Vegan wine