Bannockburn Museum Release Chardonnay 2014

As always, Bannockburn’s Chardonnay is drawn mostly from the Estate’s Olive Tree Hill Vineyard (planted in 1976) and Winery Block (1981), which are on volcanic soils over limestone. Average vine age around 35 years. More recently, the Estate Chardonnay now includes fruit from the Kelly Lane Vineyard (Clone 76).

Whole-bunch pressed and settled overnight. Wild-fermented in 500-litre French oak puncheons (20% new), with 60% undergoing malolactic. Ten months on lees with minimal stirring and no sulphur added until bottling. The wine opens bright and floral with lovely citrussy freshness cutting through the stone fruit generosity of the palate. Tapers to a beautiful savoury close backed by that classic Bannockburn salinity.