Lock Stock & Barrel Wines

Vintage

The 2008 growing season was lovely with mild temperatures up until March 3rd. A heat wave lasted from the 3rd to the 17th of March but we hand picking our Chardonnay on 7th March which meant that the grapes were exposed to little of the heat. Natural acids and flavours were excellent. HDD for 07/08 was 1330, slightly cooler than average. The early harvest date does not relate so much to the warmth of the growing season but to the warmer than normal winter which means early budburst. Budburst for Chardonnay in 07 was 12th Sept compared with our average date of 25th Sept. thus bringing harvest forward 2 weeks.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh, complex and mineral with subtle pear overtones.

Palate: Crisp, tight, fine and understated. Supple mid palate with drying savoury finish. A wine of freshness, delicacy and subtle power. Positive texture adds to the savoury edge.

Ageing: Freshness, concentration, delicacy and balance with crisp acidity are the keys for ageable wines. This wine has all of these elements and I am confident that it will age well. I envisage positive development for at least 10 years under Stelvin.

Technical Details

Region: Lenswood, Adelaide Hills South Australia.

Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay

Crop level: 2.5 kg per vine

Oak maturation: 12 months in French oak barriques. All from forests in the centre of France and Vosges. Half new oak and half second use.

Malolactic: 50% malolactic fermentation.

pH: 3.17 | Alcohol: 13.5% | TA: 6.6%

Closure: Freshness, concentration, delicacy and balance with crisp acidity are the keys for ageable wines. This wine has all of these elements and I am confident that it will age well. I envisage positive development for at least 10 years under Stelvin.