The low-yielding 2022 vintage delivered bright and varietal Estate fruit, with this Chardonnay release resonating with vibrant and juicy melon and peach fruits graced by a fresh lemony acidity.
Background spice and toast notes from time in oak contribute a delicious complexity to an elegant and refreshing wine set for thorough enjoyment now and over a further five to seven years.
A little back story to our Estate Chardonnay...
The first extensive plantings of Chardonnay took place on the Estate in 1979, although there are scattered vines identified as the varietal in a 'fruit salad' vineyard block that dates back to 1927.
1988 was the first commercial vintage to be released and Chardonnay is the only of the Tahbilk whites to spend extended time in oak prior to bottling.
Vintage 2022
The season started off slowly, summer was cool and the rainfall was low in the lead up.
A windy spring certainly disrupted the fruit set, leading to fewer berries per bunch with final yields well down, with some of our blocks by as much as 40%.
The harvest itself ticked along at a steady pace, whites progressed nicely, the reds ripening well and then everything ripened up at once with lots of juggling between whites, rose and red ferments.
With the low yields and challenges of this harvest there is much anticipation around the final release of our 2022 vintage Estate whites and reds.
And the final verdict on Vintage 2022? That will be yours ...
