Family Reserve

The Singlefile vineyard is in the Denmark sub-region of the Great Southern. We classify our chardonnay fruit to determine the ideal picking time to produce a cool-climate chardonnay with both power and finesse. Planted in 1989, the vineyard straddles the 35-degree latitude line and is 60 metres above sea level. The vineyard slopes north north-west in fertile well drained Karri loam soils with abundant micro fauna and flora. The vineyard is very slow ripening and tends to maintain its natural acidity while developing flavour ripeness.

The 2022 fruit, harvested by hand on 2nd April, was chilled overnight, then whole bunch pressed and fermented with a third of the juice going to new oak and the remainder going to one year old French oak barriques from the Marsannay, Quintessence and D&J cooperages. The wine spent nine months in oak with a partial malolactic fermentation to develop mouth feel and richness. Lees stirring (bâtonnage) occurred at weekly intervals during the first six months in barrel. The wine was then left to rest before preparation for bottling.

This wine has aromas of intense grapefruit and nectarines with hints of citrus blossom and subtle oak nuances. The palate displays a concentration of citrus and stone fruit with a touch of creaminess and nutty texture due to partial malolactic fermentation and bâtonnage. The wine is effortlessly mouth filling with a delicate balance of fruit and acidity and a long lingering finish, lasting well after drinking. A wine of both power and finesse, it is well suited to rich poultry or creamy shellfish dishes with sautéed vegetables. This wine will develop further complexity in bottle over the next five years.