2023 Curly Flat Chardonnay

Curly Flat, nestled in the Macedon Ranges at 540 metres altitude, is renowned for producing exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from its 14.5-hectare vineyard. Established in 1989 and now solely owned by Jenifer Kolkka, the estate is committed to expressing its unique volcanic soils, cool climate and diverse clones through meticulous winemaking. With naturally high acidity and elegant structure, Curly Flat’s wines consistently showcase purity, precision and a strong sense of place.

The 2023 vintage began with one of the coldest springs on record, setting a slow pace for vine development. A mild summer with well-timed January rains brought balance, while a cooler April ensured Chardonnay was harvested at optimum ripeness, delivering fruit of precision and freshness. Hand-picked fruit from three distinct blocks was whole-bunch pressed, with cloudy juice transferred straight to French oak barrels (22% new). Wild yeast fermentation was followed by 90% malolactic, with barrels stirred monthly before minimal sulphur additions. After 16 months’ maturation on lees, the wine was bottled with minimal filtration, showcasing the clarity, depth and refined structure that defines Curly Flat Chardonnay.
Alc. 12.4%

Other Reviews....
The oak feels heavy at the moment but it should balance up in time. Cedar, pine, woodsmoke and grilled peach characters gradually move into pear and nectarine territory. There’s plenty of juice here, plenty of flavour, and an elegance to the finish, which bodes well. As it breathes a honey and tonic water combination emerges. I’d expect this to drink beautifully in a few year’s time. Drink 2026 - 2032+.
93+ Points
Campbell Mattinson - The Wine Front

The producer lives up to its reputation as a quality Chardonnay maker with another cool climate lovely from a cool vintage. Youthful yellow with green tinges. The scent of stone fruits is quite intense with nectarine and white peach joined by melon and citrus with some added complex notes from almond meal, nougat. There is quite a luscious quality to this wine with a number of clones in play, each bringing their own qualities – clones are P58 (aka, the old Penfolds clone noted for its citrus) and Dijon clones V3 and V5. Generous citrus and stone fruit flavours come with depth and an added note of sea spray-saline, finishing with light spice and ginger notes. Shows good attention to detail. Drink 2025 - 2033.
95 Points
Jeni Port - WinePilot.com