Tasting Profile
November 2022
This vineyard is located in Balnarring and is planted exclusively to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. It was originally established in 1997 and was acquired in 2007. The original plantings comprise two distinct areas of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. There are three Chardonnay blocks and the fruit for this wine was sourced almost exclusively from the oldest block.
The fruit was gently whole-bunch pressed directly into 228L and 350L French oak barrels (15% of which were new) and fermentation occurred spontaneously with ambient yeasts. Following fermentation, the wine was aged on lees (without battonage) for 11 months. It was bottled without fining and with minimal filtration.
Opening with a reductive edge, the nose quickly reveals attractive aromas of citrus peel, almond meal, fresh cream and gentle oak spice. A core of soft stone fruits and roundness underpins a seamless tension driving through the palate. The finish is vibrant and pure, with a lingering lime flavour and lemon acidity.
13.0% alc.
Tasting Profile 2021
Tasting Profile 2020
Tasting Profile 2019
Reviews
Wine Pilot, February 2023
Ken Gargett
A concentrated and powerful style of Chardonnay, the nose has hints of peaches, cashews and lemon rind. There is coiled power here and a slightly firm texture. Good intensity right through. Enjoyable now, but it will be even better in two years and will then drink impressively for another four to six.
93 points
The Real Review, February 2023
Huon Hooke
Creamy cashew-nutty aromas, light yellow colour, a restrained and yet open and immediately appealing wine. Fruit drives it. There is a touch of fruit sweetness in the mid-palate and the wine is fruity and charming as well as reserved and discreet, with a certain tannin firmness which fits neatly into the wine as a whole.
91 points
Vinous, May 2023
Angus Hughson
The single vineyard 2021 Balnarring Chardonnay boasts attractive purity and precision with layers of grapefruit, nectarine and a strong backing of French oak. There is beautiful volume and texture punctuated by fresh acid bite, drawing out a surprisingly long finish. It’s drinking well but with time on its hand.
92 points
The Vintage
The Vineyard
The Port Phillip Estate ‘Balnarring’ vineyard is located on the Mornington Peninsula at Balnarring, on Miocene sedimentary soils. Our wines are made from domain grown, handpicked grapes and aim to manifest terroir: the integration of our geology and soils with the macroclimate of our region, the mesoclimates of the various sites within our vineyard and the weather of the annual grape growing season. Our cultural operations in the vineyard and practices in the winery endeavour to articulate these unique characteristics diligently, respectfully and without artifice.