2024 Hillcrest Chardonnay Premium

$85.00

Vineyard & Winemaking

We have four small and distinctive blocks of Chardonnay, all Clone p58, but varying in vine age (planted 2001, 2003 and 1971), aspect, row direction and general microclimate.

All blocks are harvested by hand and handled separately throughout the winemaking process. Fruit is chilled overnight before gentle whole-bunch pressing to tank for 24 hours settling. Juice and some ‘fluffy’ lees are transferred to 300 or 500 litre french oak vessels (25% new) for fermentation and approximately 10 months maturation. Natural malolactic fermentation is encouraged only in the coolest years. Barrels are selected for their fresh Village style or more complex Premium intensity, just prior to blending and bottling.

Vintage Conditions

2024 was a challenging, but very rewarding vintage, producing wines with great intensity of flavour, colour and complexity, and acid freshness and palate length.

A very wet Spring, followed by one of the wettest Decembers on record, then a magnificently mild and dry ripening season lead to a slightly early harvest with fully ripe flavours.

Endorsements & Reviews

The Real Review - Aaron Brasher - 95/100 - Gold Medal Recommended - TOP RANK

‘Bright in the glass, mid-straw and vibrant. Complex aromas of grilled nuts, nougat, poached white stone-fruit, white flowers and a touch of vanilla. Long, layerd and with plenty of complexity. There’s a lovely core of fruit, all matched up rather seamlessly with some classy oak and pithy, shapely acidity.’

Vineyard & Winemaking

We have four small and distinctive blocks of Chardonnay, all Clone p58, but varying in vine age (planted 2001, 2003 and 1971), aspect, row direction and general microclimate.

All blocks are harvested by hand and handled separately throughout the winemaking process. Fruit is chilled overnight before gentle whole-bunch pressing to tank for 24 hours settling. Juice and some ‘fluffy’ lees are transferred to 300 or 500 litre french oak vessels (25% new) for fermentation and approximately 10 months maturation. Natural malolactic fermentation is encouraged only in the coolest years. Barrels are selected for their fresh Village style or more complex Premium intensity, just prior to blending and bottling.

Vintage Conditions

2024 was a challenging, but very rewarding vintage, producing wines with great intensity of flavour, colour and complexity, and acid freshness and palate length.

A very wet Spring, followed by one of the wettest Decembers on record, then a magnificently mild and dry ripening season lead to a slightly early harvest with fully ripe flavours.

Endorsements & Reviews

The Real Review - Aaron Brasher - 95/100 - Gold Medal Recommended - TOP RANK

‘Bright in the glass, mid-straw and vibrant. Complex aromas of grilled nuts, nougat, poached white stone-fruit, white flowers and a touch of vanilla. Long, layerd and with plenty of complexity. There’s a lovely core of fruit, all matched up rather seamlessly with some classy oak and pithy, shapely acidity.’