Greg Norman Chardonnay

Description

VINTAGE & VITICULTURE In an otherwise diffcult 2011 vintage the Eden Valley fared well and produced excellent quality Chardonnay grapes. With cool spring and summer temperatures the growing season was long and held some challenges with rainy periods. But with excellent vineyard management, constant monitoring and careful selection of fruit, the quality of Chardonnay for this Greg Norman Estates wine is very good.Fruit for this wine is sourced from various high altitude vineyards in the southern end of the Eden Valley region of South Australia. The region is typified by rolling, exposed hills and with this comes a range of soil types. Soils on the higher Chardonnay sites are typically a mix of loamy sand to clay loams over weathered rock.VINIFICATION In order to optimize quality, the fruit is fermented in separate batches. Controlled cool fermentation with inoculated yeast in French oak barriques allows for the highest concentration of fruit flavor married elegantly with subtle but supportive spicy oak. Maturation on yeast lees in barrel for 8 months with regular stirring helps to keep the wine fresh and builds finesse, balance and harmony. Each batch is blended to make the best possible wine with the greatest fruit and flavor expression.WINEMAKERS NOTES The Greg Norman Estates 2011 Chardonnay is pale lemon in color with a subtle green rim. Aromas of intense grapefruit, fresh nectarine and lemon zest jump from the glass. Subtle vanillin spice notes lead to a lively palate with flavors of pink grapefruit, blossom and mandarin peel. The wine has zesty, mouthwatering acidity and offers an incredible lengthy and tasty finish.- Andrew Hales, Winemaker