Howard Park Heritage Chardonnay 2023 x 6
Product Description
2023 Howard Park
Chardonnay
www.howardparkwines.com.au | hpw@hpw.com.au
The Howard Park Chardonnay grows on our Allingham vineyard, in the
Karridale locale, at the southern end of the Margaret River region. Here the
higher degree of cloud cover and prevailing southerly breezes facilitate a long,
gentle ripening and the full evolution of flavour and structure that define the
region’s finest Chardonnay.
TASTING NOTES
This edition of Howard Park Chardonnay is both vivacious and elegant, a wine
that reflects the excellence of a long and moderate growing season, and the
ability of considered application of technique to promote varietal expression
and supreme drinking pleasure. The complex nose will conjure an array of
emotional responses, with signature scents of white grapefruit and nectarine
wrapped up with nutmeal, vanilla, musk, Earl Grey tea leaves and struck match.
The palate is expressive and sinuous, delivering richness counterbalanced
by clean citrus acidity. The playful unwinding of fresh ripe fruits against a
background of melding bakery, spice, nut and mineral accents conjures images
of the great still-life paintings, and the length and persistence of flavours
allows for the time for considered reflection that inspired creations deserve.
VINTAGE
Cooler-than-usual temperatures paired with optimal, dry weather set the
scene for an extended, yet exceptional vintage in both Margaret River and
Great Southern. A moderate season, it was perfect for gentle, even ripening
across all grape varieties.
Heavy winter rains recharged soil moisture levels and refilled vineyard
dams paving the way for a promising start to the growing season. Cool
temperatures lingered making for a mild spring with a lovely, yet late budburst.
The weather warmed and rain ceased providing the ideal conditions for
flowering, canopy growth and fruit set in Margaret River. Great Southern was
cooler and wetter which led to poor fruit set and small bunches reducing yield.
However, these lower yields would later lead to fuller fruit ripeness at harvest.
Dry, sunny, and warm weather free from any extreme heat continued
throughout summer creating an idyllic atmosphere for steady, prolonged
ripening with harvest commencing on the 16 February and not finishing until
22 April. Minimal rain fell during this period allowing the fruit to stay out on the
vine until full ripeness and flavour development were achieved while cooling
winds ensured good acid retention and freshness.
Some late summer/early autumn rain events delayed the red harvest slightly,
however, the rainfall did not lead to any disease pressure, instead, it refreshed
canopies and invigorated the vines. Altogether another high-quality, graceful
year much like 2022.
VINEYARDS
Allingham Vineyard, Karridale, Margaret River
Vine age: 6 to 20 years
Elevation: 40 - 80 M.
Aspect: south east to south west.
Soils: gravel and sandy clay loam over ironstone with variable water holding capacity.
Clones: Gin Gin and Dijon 95, 96
WINEMAKING
After harvesting the bunches are pressed directly to barrel and undergo
fermentation with indigenous yeast. Barrels of various volumes are used ranging
up to 600 litres – new oak makes up around 20% of the selection. The approach
for Howard Park Chardonnay includes a more conscious intent to express some
beneficial winemaking artefact in the finished wine with an emphasis on the
impact of juice and solids handling, bâtonnage and the controlled expression of
the entirety of the grape on the development of flavour and texture - with the
evolution of each barrel carefully monitored to achieve these aims. The 2023
vintage was bottles in January 2024 after 8 months in oak and a further 2 months
in tank to harmonise the blend.
Choose options