Capel Vale Black Label Chardonnay
Capel Vale is family-owned and one of the pioneers of the West Australian wine industry, first planting vines in 1974. And the duck? A symbol of the native mountain ducks that inhabit the nearby Capel River. In the glass: Pale with green freshness.On the nose: Rich and nutty aromas with stonefruit, citrus and struck match. On the palate: Full and generous with complex development under juicy peach and tangy grapefruit. Lovely line and length due to precise acidity, and well-judged oak.
Evans & Tate Redbrook Estate Chardonnay
Light gold, with a fresh, green rim. Stonefruit, pear and citrus notes and seductive fresh toast, dried herbs and malty aromas from barrel fermentation. Palate Remarkable fruit sweetness, intensity and persistence, matched with lovely texture and savoury elements and balanced by fresh, natural acidity. A prolonged cool and wet growing season meant the vines were lush and healthy heading into ripening. This resulted in later harvest dates, accentuated by the cool and wet ripening months; conditions not experienced in Western Australia for more than 10 years. These conditions, coupled with the absence of heat events, produced highly aromatic whites with good natural acidity. The fruit was selectively handpicked at perfect ripeness, before being loaded into an airbag press and gently squeezed. The free-run juice was continuously tasted until an optimum point was reached. The juice underwent wild fermentation in new French oak puncheons, then remained in barrel for 7-10 months, with monthly lees stirring to provide texture and mouthfeel. Each batch was carefully assessed for inclusion in the final blend. This minimal handling has produced a unique, delicate Redbrook Chardonnay style that will develop great complexity over time.