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Plantagenet Great Southern Chardonnay
Producer
The Plantagenet winery is located in the Mount Barker township, a sub-district of the Great Southern region in Western Australia...
The area is famous for its premium quality, cool climate wine production, its proximity to the Southern Ocean ensuring the slow ripening of the grapes which enhances fruit composition and aromatic qualities. Plantagenet’s five vineyards are located to the south and west of the town. Winemaker John Durham joined from Cape Mentelle in 2007.
Vineyards
Fruit is sourced from Plantagenet`s lowest yielding Wyjup and Crystal Brook vineyards that are predominantly planted with the gig gin clone of Chardonnay. This clone produces a high level of `hen and chicken` bunches that provides a more intense flavour spectrum and higher natural cidity.
Vintage Information
A promising start to the season with useful rains and mild conditions from spring to early summer allowed for vigorous vine growth. With dry, mild conditions prevailing January to end of February, flavours intensified nicely in a relatively disease and pestilence free environment. Apart from a handful of very hot days around Christmas, mild to warm days were the norm during veraison. Fruit ripened steadily but surely under the ideal conditions, resulting in flavoursome, lively wines, with well defined varietal flavours. Very low yields, between 1.5 to 4 tonnes per hectare.
Vinification
The Chardonnay was hand picked and chilled down to 5ºC before whole bunch pressing. Fermentation using natural yeast was allowed to begin naturally. It fermented in 25% new French oak, with the balance in one and two year old French oak, with a blend of cooperages designed not to overpower the fruit. It remained in barrel for nine months before blending and bottling.
Tasting Notes
A lovely array of lemon fruit flavours, quince and melon in harmony with the winemaking derived characters that have imparted a creamy, vanilla custard note with a dash of almond meal. The bouquet evolves with time in the glass providing further interest.
A harmonious wine with a clean finish and delicious lingering flavours.
| Vintage |
2009 |
| Grape varieties |
Great Southern, Western Australia |
| Region |
Great Southern,Western Australia |
| Winemaker |
John Durham |
| Closure |
|
| Alcohol (ABV) |
13.9%% |
