James Edward Wines Tumbarumba Chardonnay 2023

The 2023 Chardonnay is made using hand-picked fruit grown by Juliet Cullen at Excelsior Peak Vineyard at an elevation of 630m in the southern part of Tumbarumba (Western slopes of the Snowy Mountains).

The fruit was whole-bunch pressed to tank where it was cold-settled and then racked to a mixture of barriques and puncheons (25% new, 75% 5+ years).

Both primary and full malolactic fermentation took place naturally with indigenous yeasts/bacteria, and a modest addition of SO2 was used at the end of fermentation before being matured for 10 months in barrel.

Bottled unfined and unfiltered.

A slightly racier look at Chardonnay this vintage, with lime, stonefruit and green apple on the nose that transfers to the palate with the addition of butterscotch/nougat and almond-like nuttiness. Medium-bodied, good acidity whilst still remaining soft and approachable, and a lingering finish make this wine both compelling and gluggable in equal parts.

My ideal Chardonnay is a cool climate style with generosity on the mid-palate and elegance on the finish. I aspire to make a style that is fruit forward, varietal, and complimented by subtle oak and creamy/buttery characteristics that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere, both with and without the presence of food.