Marble Hill

Vineyard: Established in 1972 the Mountadam High Eden Estate is one of Australia’s oldest cool climate Chardonnay vineyards. Situated on a unique rocky outcrop the estate commands an easterly aspect over Eden Valley.

Season: The dry weather meant that when the night time temperature dipped, there were again late frosts, but thankfully not damaging Avon Brae. December and early January were warm but rains at the end of January and early March were welcomed. The vintage delivered exceptional ripening conditions.

Wine making: The fruit was harvested at night and gently pressed using a bag press. The juice was fermented in 50% new French barriques, the balance in 1 and 2 year old barrels. The wine was intermittently stirred (battonage) throughout the maturation period. The wines underwent malolactic fermentation prior to racking and being returned to the same barrels. The individual parcels were racked from barrel after on average 12 months maturation in oak and the final blend carried out.

Appearance: Straw

Aroma/Bouquet: Developed characters of peach, nectarine and fresh figs. French oak barrel fermentation and maturation gives the wine secondary aromas of cashew nuts and mixed spices.

Palate: A complex array of peach, citrus, cashew nuts, subtle truffle and spice throughout. The mid palate is round and buttery with a clean citrus acid backbone providing length and persistence. The Chardonnay is complex and displays gentle but balanced acidity.

Food Pairing: Pasta with herb infused butter sauce, Snapper curry or a selection of artisan cheeses.

Alcohol: 14%

pH: NA

Acidity: NA

Residual Sugar: NA

Cellar potential: 20+ years

Wine maker: Helen McCarthy