Clairault Streicker Ironstone Block Old Vine Chardonnay / 2024 / 750mL

Winemaking Notes
The fruit is chilled and whole-cluster pressed to retain freshness and cultivate texture and structure. The juice is settled cold and racked after 2 days, harvesting only the lightest and most delicate grape solids to further aid in textural and aromatic development. The juice is barrel fermented in 40% new, 30% 2nd fill and 30% 3rd fill French oak barriques. 66% of the barrels are sulphured pre-malolactic fermentation, in order to further preserve fresh fruit aromatics and pure acidity. The other 33% are allowed to undergo malolactic fermentation, developing both richer, bolder aromatics and textural elements. It is then aged in oak for 9 months and battonaged every two weeks to develop texture and additional palate complexity, after which the wine is removed from barrel, clarified and bottled.
Vintage Conditions
The 2020 vintage was unforgettable. The region experienced a perfect growing season with warmer than average spring temperatures and ideal summer conditions. Little to no rain, low disease risk and timely flowering of the Marri trees to distract the birds, eased pressure in the vineyard. The relative ease of vintage was in stark contrast to the happenings of the world at the time, with ferocious bushfires ravaging the East Coast and the Covid-19 outbreak unravelling. Yields were down in 2020 resulting in exceptional fruit concentration.

Aroma
White pear, freshly cut nectarine, wet slate and grapefruit, laced with hints of roasted cashew and baked limes.   

Palate
Generous and poised, an ensemble of fresh stone fruits, apricot acidity and ultrafine lines of porcelain white fruit tannin. A mineral battery of quenching pumice, dew and sea-spray on the finish.    

Cellaring
Enjoyed for its freshness now or cellar for up to 10 years for further complexity.

Alcohol
13.5%

Accolades
97-Points & Platinum Medal - Decanter World Wine Awards 2023