Kooyong Single Block Faultline Chardonnay 2021
Refined and full of flavour, the nose shows aromas of mandarin, pink grapefruit and flint. Precise citrus flavours are accompanied by white peach and vanilla pod in a pleasantly-weighted palate. A focussed spine of fine acidity runs through a long finish, with vanilla custard and nutty lees adding complexity.
The Kooyong vineyards are located on the Mornington Peninsula at Tuerong, on Miocene sedimentary soils. This single-block wine is sourced from just 0.5 ha of 25-year-old Chardonnay vines within the Faultline block.
The fruit was gently whole-bunch pressed directly into French oak barriques (20% of which were new) and fermentation occurred spontaneously with ambient yeasts. Following fermentation, the wine was aged on lees (without battonage) for eleven months and was racked only once, directly prior to bottling. The wine was bottled without fining and with minimal filtration.
This is a detailed and finessed expression of Chardonnay. The nose is flinty, with notes of lemon and grapefruit. The palate is layered with ginger, cream and some nuttiness. Minerality rules on the finish, adding to the excellent tension within this wine.
| RRP | £47.95 |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Alcoholic strength | 13% |
| Country | Australia |
| Region | Mornington Peninsula |
| Grapes | Chardonnay 100% |
| Residual sugar (g/l) | 1.6 |
| Contains sulphites | Yes |
| Vegetarian | Yes |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Milk | No |
| Eggs | No |
| Closure | Screwcap |
Kooyong Vineyard forms part of the Gjergja family estate, along with Port Philip Estate and is planted to 40 hectares of vines on well-drained, low-vigour sedimentary clay loams, about 50 miles south of Melbourne. The head winemaker Glen Hayley stepped down after the 2022 vintage, with Tim Perrin taking the lead from 2023. The rolling hillsides and varying aspects of the region create countless microclimates, perfectly suited to Burgundian grape varieties. The moderating effect of the ocean surrounding the peninsula contributes towards a cooler climate and ample rainfall, which ensures freshness, vibrancy and elegance in the wines.
