Vintage Conditions

The start of the growing season in 2012 provided the ideal maritime "classic" for the 2013 vintage. It began with a wet July, a drier than average August, a wet September with only moderate falls in Oct and November and slightly above average falls in December. The new year blessed with a perfect Indian summer, characterised by sunny days until early April. The relatively dry end to the growing season, combined with warmer than long term mean temperatures in January and Feb set up for some spectacular ripening conditions. The early season warmth corresponded to early ripening of the whites and the early ripening of tannins in the reds, a very desirable character. The slightly cooler temperature for March allowed gentle and complete ripening of the reds, making it a complete joy to be part of the Margaret River Wine Industry.

Winemaking Note

The fruit for the Ironstone Chardonnay is hand-picked from the Ironstone Vineyard in the heart of Wilyabrup. The fruit is chilled and whole-cluster pressed to retain freshness and cultivate texture and structure. The juice is settled cold and racked after 2 days, harvesting only the lightest and most delicate grape solids to further aid in textural and aromatic development. The juice is barrel fermented in 40% new, 30% 2nd fill and 30% 3rd fill French oak barriques. 66% of the barrels are sulphured pre-malolactic fermentation, in order to further preserve fresh fruit aromatics and pure acidity. The other 33% are allowed to undergo malolactic fermentation, developing both richer, bolder aromatics and textural elements. It is then aged in oak for 9 months and battonaged every two weeks to develop texture and additional palate complexity, after which the wine is removed from barrel, clarified and bottled.

Tasting Notes

100% Gin Gin clone Chardonnay, hand harvested from our Ironstone Vineyard and bursting with the richness and opulence that Margaret River Chardonnay is known for. 

Accolades

97 points, 'Special Value Star' - James Halliday's Wine Companion 2017
SILVER - Margaret River Wine Show, 2015
SILVER - New York International Wine Competition
Bronze - International Wine Challenge, 2016
Bronze - Sydney Royal Wine Show, 2016

Cellaring

This wine has been cellared for you to enjoy now, or will continue to evolve under suitable cellaring conditions.