Stargazer Chardonnay

Sourced from two distinct Tasmanian vineyards, this Chardonnay brings together 60% from Stargazer’s own Palisander Vineyard in the Coal River Valley and 40% from Bernard Brain’s vineyard at Ouse in the Derwent Valley. The Palisander plot was planted in 2017, facing south on brown Dermosol soils over Jurassic dolerite, while the 1999-planted Derwent Valley vineyard faces north-east, with white silica sand over sandstone and clay.

The hand-picked fruit was wild fermented in 500L French oak barrels, 20% of which were new, and underwent 100% malolactic fermentation. It then matured on lees in barrel for eight months before blending, followed by a further 10 weeks in tank prior to bottling.

Aromatic stone fruit leads into notes of apple skin and ruby red grapefruit, with subtle struck-match and gunflint complexity adding intrigue. The palate is beautifully rounded and layered, balancing mouth-watering, nervy acidity with a distinctive quinine-like structure and a juicy, refreshing finish. A detailed and energetic Chardonnay with plenty of texture and depth.