May 2020

The Chardonnay block at Port Phillip Estate’s Red Hill vineyard consists of three parcels. The largest area (1.3 hectares) is the oldest, at 29 years. A smaller area of 0.3 hectares was planted
seven years later. A third area of more closely planted vines was established in 2013. The Red Hill vineyard is dominated by red basalt, yet the Chardonnay block is planted in an area of sandy grey loam over yellow clay. The site has deep soils with great water-holding capacity, so the vines require very little irrigation throughout Summer. Nestled on a hill facing East, the block’s aspect exposes the fruit to maximum morning sunshine but protects the fruit from the afternoon Summer sun, allowing it to ripen in a cooler environment. The cool evenings of Red Hill’s maritime climate and cold air flow down the hill help maintain the wine’s hallmark acidity. The fruit was gently whole-bunch pressed directly into French oak barriques (15% of which were new), and fermentation occurred spontaneously with ambient yeasts. Following fermentation, the wine was aged on lees (without battonage) for 11 months. It was bottled without fining and with minimal filtration.

Reticent in its youth, the wine opens with reductive notes of flint, brown spice, and lees influenced aromas. It opens to reveal a fruiter side; stone fruit and grapefruit juice aromas. The palate is long, with a refined flow and textured mid-palate balancing the acidity from the cool Red Hill site. The intense finish delivers more grapefruit flavour and a crisp citrus zest edge. Delicate yet powerful, this wine will benefit from time in the cellar.

13.5%

Tasting Profile 2019
Tasting Profile 2018
Tasting Profile 2017