James Edward Wines 2024 Tumbarumba Chardonnay

Viticulture -

The 2024 Chardonnay is made using hand-picked fruit grown at Tralee Vineyard in Tumbarumba (Western slopes of the Snowy Mountains).

Vinification -

The fruit was whole-bunch pressed to tank where it was cold-settled and then racked to large format oak (2nd and 3rd use French puncheons).

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 lightly filtered.

Tasting Notes -

Varietal characters of lemon , peach, 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, and both with and without the presence of food.