Barratt Uley Chardonnay ‘Ulley’ Vineyard 2021
$39.00
After three seasons of low crop levels, Mother Nature smiled on us in 2021
providing not only more bunches but fruit of exceptional quality. Grapes were
hand harvested from 38 year old vines on our Uley vineyard at the northern
end of the Piccadilly Valley on March 15 and 16. Baumé at harvest 12.6 degrees,
pH 3.20, titratable acid 9.0 g/litre.
After overnight cooling, the grapes were lightly whole bunch pressed with the
juice transferred to tank for settling over 4 days. Clear juice and a measured
amount of solids (grape lees) were then transferred to French oak barriques,
27% of which were new. After a few days of natural warming, spontaneous
fermentation by indigenous yeasts commenced and continued throughout
the whole of the ferment period. Since 2021 was a vintage yielding high
grape natural acid levels, malolactic fermentation was induced in 100% of
barrels to “soften” the acidity of the wine. Matured in oak for 11 months
before stabilisation and filtration.
Bottled 28 March 2022. Alcohol 13.0%.
Aromas of stone and citrus fruit, honeysuckle, cashews and subtle
toasty oak are followed by a rich and creamy palate finishing with a
crisp, balanced, citrus freshness.
While delightful drinking as a young
wine, quality and a long track record should ensure that this wine will
continue to develop and improve over a number of years.
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