Yarra Yering - Chardonnay - 2020

From the Yarra Valley, in the state of Victoria in south-eastern Australia, this Chardonnay comes from the historic Yarra Yering estate, established in Gruyere in 1969. The vineyard stretches across the Warramate foothills on a north-facing slope, enjoying a cool climate that favours slow ripening and the preservation of natural acidity. The ancient soils, composed notably of grey clay loam and gravel, offer remarkable drainage and contribute to the precision and finesse of the wine. The grapes are harvested by hand, then chilled overnight in a cold room before whole-bunch pressing. The must ferments in 228-litre French oak barrels, 30% of them new, through the combined action of native and selected yeasts. Malolactic fermentation is deliberately avoided to preserve the natural tension and freshness of the Chardonnay. The wine is then aged for 10 months in the estate's cool underground cellars before blending, followed by a further four months in stainless-steel tanks on fine lees. This wine reveals notes of pear, lemon zest, green apple, white peach and wet stone, with nuances of toasted hazelnut and a delicate saline touch. On the palate, the attack is precise and elegant, carried by lively acidity that underlines the fruit and brings plenty of energy. The texture, both ample and silky, rests on a fine chalky frame and lovely tension. The long, persistent finish combines freshness, minerality and depth.