2023 Wyjup Collection Chardonnay

Appearance: Brilliant lemon-gold.

Aroma: Aromas of struck flint, white peach, grilled nuts and almond meal.

Palate: On the palate, grapefruit zest and lemon curd interplay with cashew, subtle toast and a saline minerality. Textural but taut, with a creamy texture and an acid backbone that drives a long, mouthwatering finish. Stylistically, a reference-point Chardonnay for Wyjup.

Fruit was picked early (at 12° Baume) and whole bunch pressed to barrel with high solids, initiating spontaneous ferment. Wild ferment proceeded to ~6° Baume before selected CY3079 yeast was introduced to finish primary fermentation. The later pick (mid 12° Baume) was also barrel fermented but with lower solids. Both batches matured in 100% French oak (50–60% new) from Dargaud & Jaegle and Fleur de Quintessence for 10 months with intermittent bâttonage.

- Mike Garland, Chief Winemaker

8/10 A cool, wet start delayed budburst and flowering, but healthy canopies and ideal summer conditions (clear skies, warm days, cool nights) brought phenology back into line by March. The result was excellent varietal intensity, especially in whites. Late April rains compressed harvest but did not compromise quality.

Vintage: 2023

Varietal(s): Chardonnay (100%)

Vineyard: Wyjup Vineyard.

Technical Analysis: Alcohol 13.5% | pH 3.28 | TA 7.10 g/L

Food pairing: Pair with seared Snapper, new baby potatoes and a crisp green salad.

This wine has a cellaring potential of 10+ years.