May 2023

The Chardonnay block at Port Phillip Estate’s Red Hill vineyard consists of three parcels. The largest area (1.3 hectares) is the oldest, at 31 years. A smaller area of 0.3 hectares was planted
seven years later. A third area of more closely planted vines was established in 2013. The Red Hill vineyard is dominated by red basalt, yet the Chardonnay block is planted in an area of sandy grey loam over yellow clay. The site has deep soils with great water-holding capacity, so the vines require very little irrigation throughout Summer. Nestled on a hill facing East, the block’s aspect exposes the fruit to maximum morning sunshine but protects the fruit from the afternoon Summer sun, allowing it to ripen in a cooler environment. The cool evenings of Red Hill’s maritime climate and cold air flow down the hill help maintain the wine’s hallmark acidity. The fruit was gently whole-bunch pressed directly into 228L and 350L French oak barrels (20% 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.

The wine opens to aromas of grapefruit, lime leaf and unroasted cashew. Notes of lactone oak toast and struck match sulphide add complexity and allure. The palate is vibrant and fresh with citrus fruit flavours of grapefruit and lemon that merge into white stone fruit flesh. Textural elements from fermentation on solids provide layers of interest, while a fine and long acid line drives the wine and provides excellent length. The wine is drinking well now but will improve with cellaring over the medium term.

13.5% alc.

Tasting Profile 2022
Tasting Profile 2021
Tasting Profile 2020