Vintage

2021 was a mild and generous vintage. Plentiful frosty nights and heavy rains in winter delayed budburst. Flowering in chardonnay in late spring occurred during a glorious run of warm weather. As a result the fruit grew and matured evenly.

Winemaking

Harvested from the three oldest blocks on the Napoleone Vineyard (planted 1987, I10V1 clone). Due to the perfect ripening conditions, we harvested a touch earlier than normal, around 12 baume. Most of the harvest gets a few hours skin contact to build flavour. Then the wine is fermented naturally in oak (20% new, all puncheons). Lees stirred regularly. No finings, vegan friendly.

Technical Notes

Vineyard: Napoleone & Beenak Vineyard

Soil type:  Sandy loam on clay base 

Aspect: Northerly

Clone:  I10V1          

Yeast:  Wild

Oak:   French puncheons, 20% new

Coopers: Vallaurine, D&J

Bottled:  1^st September 2021       Alcohol: 12.5%