GIANT STEPS WOMBAT CREEK CHARDONNAY 750ML

SEASON: The 2020 season was a bit of a rollercoaster, beginning with a very cold winter into a cool wet Spring, a dry and warm December and then a mild February/March punctuated by a few rain events. The cool Spring delivered very low yields across our Chardonnay blocks, primarily driven by tighter, smaller bunches – the consequence of which is naturally high acidity and fresh savoury flavours. VINIFICATION: 100% hand picked - Very small bunches. Whole bunch pressed, juice transferred to barrel by gravity with no settling. Indigenous fermentation in 500L French puncheons, some of which went through spontaneous malolactic fermentation. Batonage in May and June. Maturation for 10 months in new and used French oak – 25% new, 75% older, Vicard, Taransaud and D&J. THE VINEYARD: Location: Gladysdale Planted: 1988 Elevation: 410 metres Soil Type: Volcanic loam (red / ferrous) Aspect: North-east facing slopes Size: 16 Hectares Wombat Creek Vineyard is the highest altitude vineyard in the Yarra Valley, making it an ideal location for the production of extreme cool climate wines. The vineyard was originally planted in 1988 with the intention of producing base wine for sparkling production but over the years has been gradually transitioned to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir for table wine. The underlying ferrous (red) based volcanic soil and rock produce a distinctively soft yet long and firm palate that contrasts with the finer palates seen from the nearby Applejack Vineyard (basalt based volcanic).