Corofin Wrekin Vineyard Chardonnay 2021

Organic. Planted in 2002, the Wrekin Vineyard is a small, organically certified (Biogro) and biodynamically farmed site at the top of the Brancott Valley, almost in its own locality. It’s an excellent site for Corofin, providing both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with “exceptional individuality and quality”, according to Paterson. Owned by Jan and Andrew Johns and farmed by Jeremy Highland, Wrekin sits in the lee of the scarps of the Southern Valley foothills on clay-rich soils laid over greywacke mother rock. Orientated northeast and planted at 4,000 vines per hectare (to moderate vigour), it’s also one of the highest vineyards in the valley, producing fruit that is often the last to be harvested each year.

Crops were minuscule in 2021, with the Wrekin Vineyard giving up meagre yields of just 25 hl/ha. Hand-harvested on the 6th of March, the winemaking mirrors the Marlborough Chardonnay, but here the wine was raised in two 500-litre seasoned French oak puncheons.

A picture of its site, the Wrekin 2021 oozes mineral charm, elegant citrus flavours and hints of white florals. The palate is lithe and pure, its sleek and textured weight energized by pin-point acidity and sinewy phenolic structure. It finishes savoury and long with subtle complexities pulling you back for the second glass. A very classy Wrekin.