2025 St Huberts Chardonnay

Given the hot vintage, we ventured off the valley floor and into the Upper Yarra. This Chardonnay is a single vineyard wine from the Solitude vineyard near Yellingbo. A selection of clones was used, with around 50% being I clone and the balance Bernard 95 and 548. Whole berry pressing is employed, then high solids juice was fermented in a mixture of new and seasoned French oak. The wine spent its entire oak maturation on yeast lees and was racked just prior to blending. A small portion of the wine went through malo-lactic fermentation to add texture and aromatics. Maturation - Fermented and matured for nine months in 100% French oak barriques, with around 38% new. Nose - The nose highlights citrus aromas of lemon zest and lime blossoms, along with pear and white peach. Hints of almond meal and nougat from barrel fermentation, along with a touch of French oak spice. A small MLF portion adds subtle brioche notes. Palate - The palate is lively and citrus-dominant, with background notes of pear, white flowers and wet slate. It’s tightly wound yet balanced by mid-palate flesh that adds roundness and evenness. Juicy, restrained, and elegant, the wine is finely detailed and will gain complexity with age. Vintage Conditions - A cool and dry winter was followed by warmer than normal flowering conditions. A hot and dry summer led to an early season and quick ripening. The warmest Yarra vintage in over 20 years.