Voyager’s Chardonnay vineyards are planted in the Stevens Valley area, located towards the coast, close to the township of Margaret River. The area is characterised by gentle slopes of red/brown gravelly topsoils, about one metre deep, with a stony/clay subsoil. Counting on the cooling breezes of the nearby Indian Ocean, this is an ideal mesoclimate for growing exceptional Chardonnay.
These estate vineyards were harvested between 23rd February and 8th March 2023. The core grapefruit and citrus backbone is due to the Gingin clone. The parcels of fruit were pressed and settled overnight before the core elements were blended. The grapes fermented in a combination of concrete tanks and French oak puncheons, of which 10% were new. The lees were stirred during maturation over six months to add further complexity and texture. The wines were blended and bottled in September 2023.
The small vineyard blocks and subtle nuances of different clones form the basis of a wine that displays purity, freshness and balance. Typically the fruit is harvested with a strong citrus element forming the wine’s core, with subtle hints of yellow and green tropical fruits shining through. The wine is medium-bodied with lovely texture, vibrant fruit flavours and clean, fresh, saline acidity.