Bird on a Wire Chardonnay 2021

Willowlake Vineyard has long been the source of some of the Yarra Valley's most impressive Chardonnays. Located in the Upper Yarra, this predominantly north-facing site is home to 40-year-old vines and red volcanic soils with gravel over mudstone. This is the swansong for BOAW Chardonnay from this vineyard, but 2021 was a heck of a year to finish, as Philip Rich's note below makes clear.

"Whole-bunch pressed to barrel with almost full solids; 25% mlf and 32% new oak. Sadly, this will be the last Bird on a Wire Chardonnay from the Willowlake A1 vineyard block. A very bright green gold. A wonderfully complex Upper Yarra Valley chardonnay with aromas of stone fruits, grilled nuts, a little nougat and some marine scents. Equally good on the textured and structured palate, which finishes long with a very appealing and balanced touch of grip. It's tops now, and it'll still be good in four to six years, if not longer." 97 points, Philip Rich, The Wine Companion

Country: Australia
Region: Yarra Valley