Howard Park Miamup Chardonnay 2023 x 12
Product Description
2023 Howard Park
Miamup Chardonnay
REGIONAL RANGE
A critical selection is applied to our Margaret River vineyards for growing
Miamup Chardonnay. Each location adds to the complexity of the wine due
to the soils, aspects, clones and microclimates unique to the respective sites.
Applied to this rich collection of choice, is the skill and enthusiasm of our
winemaking team that draws upon traditional winemaking methods and the
use of fine grain French oak to craft a layered, flavoursome and complex
wine.
TASTING NOTES
Light straw in colour with hints of green, this wine displays a basket of
orchard fruits on the nose, showing notes of crunchy Gala apple and sweetly
spiced red pear. Zesty pink grapefruit, white peach and citrus blossom notes
follow, giving a mouthwatering and enticing freshness to the bouquet.
Tart lemon wedge, cumquat and Nashi pear linger on the palate, giving way
to flavours of lime zest and green apple. Subtle use of oak and a modern
style of winemaking encourages racy acidity and a chalky, fresh minerality
that gives urgency to the second sip.
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
The Miamup Chardonnay is a selection from individual vineyard blocks and
clones, with the majority sourced from our Margaret River vineyards largely
based in Willyabrup.
WINEMAKING
Each batch is picked in the cool of the night and processed soon after
picking to ensure varietal flavours are preserved. Fermentation and
malolactic occurs in a combination of older French oak and stainless-steel
tank. The temperature of fermentation is between 18ºC to 22ºC and the lees
are stirred from the end of fermentation and throughout the malolactic.
After 10 months on lees, the wine is blended to tank and held for 2 months
prior to fining, filtration and bottling
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