Rivulet Glaziers Bay Chardonnay 2024

VINEYARD
Grown on the Huon Valley’s oldest and most revered vineyards, Elsewhere. Dry grown, 100% P58 (Penfolds) clone chardonnay from 27 year old vines. Established in 1982, Elsewhere Vineyard is in the deep south of Tasmania, between Huonville and Cygnet, and at the edge of viticultural possibility. The vineyard is cradled by rolling green hills, gently sloping down toward the mirror still Huon River. Elsewhere has been restored to its former glory and tended with meticulous attention to detail by Owen and Eve Knight. Grown on unirrigated, deep black cracking clays.

VINTAGE
The 2024 vintage saw the return of warm and dry conditions after three cool, La Nina influenced seasons. The winter proceeding the growing season set the scene with mild, above average temperatures throughout and lower than average rainfall. Spring and summer continued this warmer temperature pattern and low rainfall. The extra warmth of the season produced even ripening, resulting in balanced acidity and resolved tannins along with outstanding depth of flavour.

WINEMAKING
Penfolds clone Chardonnay is typical of Tasmania’s older vineyards and can produce wonderfully expressive wines with an energetic spine of natural acidity. Hand harvested fruit was chilled overnight then whole bunch pressed and oxidatively handled with no additions made. Following cold settling, juice was racked to barriques and hogsheads for wild fermentation, with 30% new oak. Full malolactic fermentation was undertaken to soften the natural acidity produced by this cool site. Wine was left to rest on its yeast lees for 10 months before clarification and bottling.

Total production: 145 dozen

Drink: Now to 2040