Holyman Chardonnay 2022
Joe Holyman joined us in the store last week, pouring us his latest releases which are always hotly anticipated. His Chardonnay is undeniably the jewel in the crown, and yet again the wine shines bright. It's youthful and shows some signs of tightness, yet at the same time, flaunts some ripe stone fruit character and that flinty/matchstick combination that woos us all. It's pulpy and textural and really fills the palate nicely. Recollections of a bottle of 2015 last year a good reminder of the benefits of a few added years in bottle. - Ches Cook, FWC.
Business as usual for this 0.75 Ha of Chardonnay planted in 1986. The block is mainly spur pruned, and whilst we desire 5 tonnes to the hectare we usually sit around 4 to 4.5. 2022 was 4.8, which is pretty good for us. 100% whole bunch pressed straight to 100% new 500 litre puncheons. Once the natural ferment starts we stir the lees twice a day to keep them moving. Once the primary ferment finishes we sulphur the barrels to stop them going through malo and stop stirring to let them settle. The wine stays on its lees until it is racked after 9 months to let it settle before bottling.
The wine has cardamon and hints of rose water on the nose. The palate is powerful, with some white peach and aniseed. This is a slightly richer style, even at 12% alcohol than our usual wine, but has the acidity and structure to back it up. It certainly packs a punch, but I feel with time that it will mellow and will reward some cellaring over the next 5 to 10 years. Joe Holyman