2011 Almond Grove Chardonnay

Colour: 
Medium straw with attractive green tints 

Bouquet: The aromas are restrained and elegant showing some peach blossom characters with a subtle oak influence that gives a hint of vanilla.

Palate: This is a medium bodied, tightly structured wine that shows graceful yet persistent nectarine fruit flavours. It finishes clean with a bright, soft acidity.

Food Suggestions: 
An excellent companion for poultry, seafood or pasta.

Cellaring Potential: The wine should drink well over the next 4-6 years. Expect the colour to show more golden tints in four or so years and the nose and palate to develop attractive French toast flavours.
 
Winemaking Notes: Good rainfall and cooler conditions experienced in 2011 resulted in harvest being approx 3 weeks later than normal. Following harvest, the fruit was pressed and free run juice was allowed to cold settle before fermentation with French Oak.  The wine was kept on lees to promote length and creaminess and a component allowed to undergo malolactic fermentation.  On final blending, the wine received a light fining while stabilising and was bottled in November 2011.

Background Information:
‘Almond Grove’ has obtained its name from the Almonds which were widely grown in McLaren Vale on land which now bears our vineyards. Richard Hamilton is noted as the first to have planted Chardonnay in McLaren Vale (in 1972). 

Oak:
100% French