2006 Narkoojee Reserve Chardonnay

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NEGLECTED CHARDONNAY FOR YEARS, THIS IS THE WINE THAT WILL RE-IGNITE THE FLAME & RE-DEFINE YOUR PERCEPTIONS OF JUST HOW DAZZLING THE VARIETAL CAN BE. SENSATIONAL!

Not many people realise that the flavours in grapes are developed while they're still green - hence the importance of choosing the right trellis system for the right vineyard site. Narkoojee is a tiny property located at Glengarry, 15 kilometres north of Traralgon in Gippsland. The first vines were planted in 1980. In order to achieve optimum levels of ripeness, they've chosen to employ what's known as the 'Lyre Bird' Trellis system (also used at Curly Flat) which ensures the maximum exposure of fruit to sunlight and air. Combined with careful vineyard management, including shoot and bunch thinning, the cool climatic conditions of the region allow for the prolonged development of complex flavour profiles not found in warmer climates, as demonstrated by this stunning new release.

The fruit for this Chardonnay was selected from the Estate's oldest vines sited in deep alluvial soils with mixtures of clay, silt, sand and ironstone gravels. About one third of the wine was put through malolactic fermentation and matured in new French oak barriques adding additional complexity. The wine was bottled after approximately eight months in oak with occasional lees stirring.

Brilliant pale gold colour with straw hue. Superb nose – with top note showing barrel ferment complexity – yeast lees, cashew, hazelnut and biscuit. Wonderfully rich creamy texture on the palate followed by exceptional length and depth of flavours. Layers of biscuit, creamy hazelnut and cashews over subtle oak and yeast lees. Clean acid finish with an aftertaste of biscuit and hazelnut that lasts for minutes.
Cellar 3-4 years (2012-2013)
Alc/Vol:14.5%