This stunning Chardonnay is produced from the more mineral-based Violette’s and Lucas’s blocks, planted in 2006 to four clones of Chardonnay–Gingin and three Dijon variants. Half of Violette’s block is on a north-south orientation, and these vines contribute powerful fruit to the blend, while the other half faces east-west and is shaded by the tree line. Lucas’s block provides fruit with more subtle stone fruit and mineral depth. Both blocks are certified organic and sit on karri loam topsoil over clay and granite.
Each clone was picked and vinified separately. The fruit was pressed as bunches to clay vessels and French barriques and puncheons (half new, half one-year-old) for fermentation and an 11-month maturation on lees. The wine went through 50% malolactic conversion. 2023 was another exceptional year in the West, with warm days and cool nights paving the way for intensely flavoured fruit with beautiful aromatics and excellent natural acidity. Chris Davies has delivered an exceptional wine of fragrance, fleshy weight, striking depth and mouthwatering texture.