Ministry of Clouds Tasmania Chardonnay 2013

Half of this wine is sourced from the oldest commercial plantings of Chardonnay (40 years old) in the Huon Valley, and the other half from the exquisite north easterly facing Meadowbank vineyard sitting 75 meters above the Derwent river (25 years old). All fruit was handpicked, then whole bunch pressed direct to a single new barrel, and the balance to 3 and 4 year old French barrels for 100% wild ferment. Post fermentation, all barrels were topped and sulphured and lees were stirred fortnightly to build texture and complexity. After 11 months, only the best barrels were blended for this wine.

A textural wine combining the fineness and acid line from Huon Valley fruit, and the muscle and intensity of the Derwent parcel... White nectarines, Meyer lemons and subtle hints of oatmeal and nougat are evident. While the acidity is tightly wound, it is also lush and opulent with the palate toeing a fine balance between fruit succulence, underlying minerality and racy, nervy acidity.

"The grapes for this wine came from Michael Vischacki's Panorama Vineyard in the Huon Valley, and the Ellis family's Meadowbank Vineyard in the Derwent Valley; whole bunch-pressed direct to used French oak for wild yeast fermentation and maturation. Its delicacy and immaculate balance are deceptive, for the white peach and creamy/nutty fruit flavours have great length." 96/100. Drink by: 2023. James Halliday

Country: Australia
Region: Tasmania