1999 Ingoldby Chardonnay

Notes sourced from Southern Cross Wines.

Ingoldby Wines was established in 1973 by Jim Ingoldby in McLaren Vale. Since that time Ingoldby Wines have made a succession of award-winning wines in the traditional McLaren Vale style - big, bold and generous.The fruit for this wine was sourced from Ingoldby's own McLaren Vale vineyards. Chardonnay in McLaren Vale always reaches full ripeness and 1999 did not disappoint. Vintage began early and continued with good weather, with a small amount of rain during late vintage having no visible effect on quality or quantity. As is typical of the region, McLaren Vale Chardonnay is renowned for its generous full-bodied character.Fermentation is begun in tank at cool temperatures before transferring to new French oak for barrel fermentation to encourage integration of flavours and structure. This is followed by a short period on lees, and a percentage of malo-lactic fermentation before bottling early to maximise fruit character.Tasting Notes: The 1999 Chardonnay is straw in colour with green hues. The nose shows attractive peach, melon, fig and creamy characters with subtle toasted oak. The palate exhibits fresh varietal Chardonnay flavours, complemented by some creaminess which is the result of malo-lactic fermentation. This wine has great depth of flavour and complexity that finishes long and clean. 1999 was a fine Chardonnay vintage in McLaren Vale, and this wine looks set to follow in the footsteps of the multiple gold medal winning 1997 and 1998 Ingoldby Chardonnays. Drink now or cellar up to 4 years. 13.2% alcohol volume.

Tasted October 1999

This is a wine that Carpenters will enjoy and Greenie will loathe. A well made commercial wine, but heavy handed in its oak treatment.Bright pale straw colour. Lifted nose with vanilla, cinnamon and oak dominant under which lays a peach and spice aroma. On the palate the peach and nut flavour is dominated by vanillin oak. The acidity is satisfactory for the short term. Long spice, cinnamon and oak aftertaste.