Toolangi’s ‘Block’ wines are produced from the most privileged, low-yielding parcels of the Dixon’s Creek vineyard. In particular, the F Block Chardonnay is cropped from the vineyard’s highest and coolest area, abutting the Toolangi State Forest. The soils here are relatively shallow and rockier, resulting in low yields of intensely flavoured fruit complemented by lovely natural energy. Simply, this block—home to 19-year-old vines of the Gin Gin clone—has been identified as growing the best of the best Chardonnay that this Toolangi produces.
The 2021 was hand-picked on the 27th of February and whole-bunch-pressed with full solids straight to oak (25% new). Both primary fermentation and (partial) malolactic were powered by wild yeasts. The wine then spent 10 months on lees without stirring before bottling.
It’s a layered and complex Chardonnay with a powerful depth of flavour and impressive structure. Intense, with notes of nectarine and flinty salinity, the density, flavour and fleshy texture are underscored by chalky phenolics and a whiplash of acidity. It is tensile and coiled, finishing with a vivid comet’s tail of pristine fruit flavour. Superb.