Continuing the tradition of Māori Point Chardonnay: In 2023, we harvested Chardonnay grapes from the Van Der Mark vineyard in Bendigo. Owners Rob and Cherry are good friend of Māori Point, and we have been making Chardonnay with their grapes while the new plantings of Chardonnay at Māori Point are maturing. The growing season of 2023 was superb, and despite some wet weather and pressure at the end of the season, we were able to harvest grapes that were beautifully ripe and balanced. 

Grapes were hand harvested on April 19 and whole-bunch pressed, with select portions tread by foot. The wine was fermented by wild yeasts in oak barrels at Māori Point, and allowed to mature on lees in barrels. A long, cool fermentation and extended time on lees (with some lees stirring) in the Māori Point barrel hall contribute to a richly textured yet classically structured Chardonnay. The wine shows fresh bright citrus, apple, chamomile and roasted hazelnut, with hints of smoke and buttered toast, leading into a long finish. Delicious now and will age well for 8 or more years. 

Technical notes: 13.5% alcohol, pH 3.5. Vegan friendly, minimal sulfites.