'Multidimensional and giving with an underlying tension...'

97 Points

An intensely complex and inviting nose with aromas of lemon curd, grapefruit rind, orange blossoms and gunsmoke. The medium-bodied palate has a textural mouthfeel and vivid acidity, showing notes of lime zest, mandarin pith, fresh pineapple and cookies. Multidimensional and giving with an underlying tension. Exceptional. Drink or hold.

2023 Heytesbury Chardonnay
 A selection of the most unique and striking vineyard sections, recognised for its innovative winemaking, al dente ripeness and distinguishing ‘Heytesbury’ character.
 APPEARANCE  
Pretty pale-yellow garnet.
 NOSE  
Wonderfully complex, showing classic aromas of fine stone flint, 
lamb fat, and champignon, alongside custard lemon biscuits. Subtle 
hints of wet limestone and ocean spray evoke the region’s maritime 
influence, while a touch of white leather and sweet new straw bring 
savoury notes.
 VARIETIES  
100% Gingin Clone Chardonnay
 HARVESTED  
15 February - 7 March 2023
 PRESSING 
Hand harvested, chilled, whole bunches pressed
 JUICE TURBIDITY 
PALATE  
Beautifully structured with long taut acid lines that provide strength 
and power. A fine, dry phenolic texture adds a layer of tension, 
complimenting the wine’s depth.  The palate evolves with lingering 
flavours of grapefruit, clotted cream and hints of ginger and lime leaf.
 WINEMAKER COMMENTS 
Our most unique small vineyard sections where the Gingin clone 
on specific aspect and soil, interplay in such a way to ignite very 
special varietal and wild yeast influence. A similar harvest time to the 
reasonably late year last year due to cold spring conditions. However, 
dry conditions and a sunny mild January saw ripening speed up 
with flavour and sugar reaching ideal ripeness with high acidity, so 
natural MLF was allowed to complete. Delicate flavours held tightly, 
resulted in beautiful restraint and balance. Hand-harvested, whole
bunches were pressed and transferred direct to barrel as unclarified 
juice. Fermented with natural yeasts from the vineyard, then nurtured 
in our cellar for 9 months in oak with some lees stirring, then 7 
months harmonising in tank on full lees before filtering and bottling. 
100% Gingin clone and true to Heytesbury perfume and structure. 
A savoury, delicate and beautifully structured wine, showcasing 
impressive complexity from a dry, cool year.
 VINTAGE DESCRIPTION 
A cool dry spring delayed vine development by 2-3 weeks, allowing 
time to open canopies which paid off come veraison. December, 
January and February brought consistent dry and mild conditions 
which saw vine development catch up nicely. Yields and bunch 
weights were a highlight, with fruit displaying beautiful balance. Ideal 
mild conditions allowed Chardonnay to develop bright acidity and 
sound flavour ripeness. March brought three small rain incidents, the 
most significant of which occurred post white harvest. Cool evenings 
and moderate daytime temperatures with afternoon sea breezes 
were ideal for gentle, consistent tannin ripening in our reds which 
maintained dense flavour. Low Marri Blossom presence resulted in 
the largest netting program since 2019, with bird pressure at a high 
during harvest. Overall, vineyard plots have shown excellent balance 
with more fruit and canopy, reflecting vine health and minimal heat 
stress from a milder season