1995 Ashwood Grove Lady Hamilton Chardonnay

This is a new label to appear on the wine scene. but the ownership of the property goes back many years to Hamilton Wines days. The vineyards are divided into two blocks - Murphys Block, planted on black river loam facing the Murray River, and the higher Lady Hamilton Block, planted on dark deep red sandy loam soil. The Ashwood Grove Chardonnay comes as a very pleasant surprise - in fact it has far more complexity and flavour than would be expected from a wine grown in Swan Hill. Part of the trick is to use grapes picked over a number of ripening periods - a method employed by Leasingham Bin 7 in the early days. Chardonnay grapes for this wine were picked early, mid and late season, producing a range of flavours that create a great deal of complexity. Bright straw colour. The nose displays pronounced ripe cling peach / melon and spicy oak aromas. The palate flavours are far more complex with the introduction of grapefruit overtones over a big buttery, peach melon base. Careful oak integration has created some spicy cinnamon oak counter points, clean crisp acidity and long peach citrus aftertaste. Enjoy over the next 12 months. Gold medal - Melbourne Wine Show.