Fighting Gully Road Chardonnay 2023

This Chardonnay, influenced by a cool climate, exhibits dominant flavors of grapefruit, melon, white stone fruit, mineral notes, and a subtle hint of struck match. Despite foregoing malolactic fermentation, the wine retains a notable richness, largely attributed to the maturity of the vines, which are now over 40 years old. Half of the grapes for this wine were harvested from the Fighting Gully Road vineyard, with the remainder coming from the 'Smiths' vineyard. Notably, 'Smiths' holds the distinction of having the oldest vines in the Beechworth region, originally planted in 1978. This particular vintage was marked by its cooler temperatures compared to previous years, interspersed with rainfall that maintained healthy canopies and ensured the grapes remained in excellent condition.