Southern Light Vineyards Seven Slopes of Rising Chardonnay is an elegant, cool-climate Chardonnay that captures the finesse and mineral precision of the elevated slopes of the Yarra Valley.
The vineyard's high altitude and shallow, rocky soils produce a naturally refined style with striking freshness and a distinctive stony character. Fruit from two hand-picked blocks is vinified separately before the final blend is assembled, preserving the individuality of each parcel.
Whole-bunch pressed into 300L and 500L French oak barrels, with 35% new oak, the wine undergoes wild fermentation before spending 12 months on lees. A small amount of malolactic fermentation adds subtle texture while maintaining the wine's vibrant energy and precision.
The nose is beautifully expressive, revealing aromas of grapefruit, white peach and lemongrass, layered with almond meal and wet stone minerality. The palate is focused and linear, with preserved lemon, white stone fruit and a delicate nutty phenolic edge carried by a distinctive mineral backbone.
Bright, cleansing acidity and exceptional length define the finish, making this a poised and sophisticated Chardonnay that balances purity, texture and elegance while offering excellent cellaring potential.
"EXQUISITELY BALANCED, IT REALLY DOES HAVE SUCH A STUNNING NOSE AND THIS CONTINUES ON THE PALATE."
96 Points, Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot
"THE PALATE IS PRECISE AND LINEAR, BUT WITH A CRISP, STONY, PEBBLY FEEL TO IT THAT ADDS TO ITS COMPLEXITY AND STRUCTURAL APPEAL."
95 Points, Ray Jordan , Wine Pilot
