'Alexander Munro' Chardonnay

Hunter Valley

2019

White Wine

Chardonnay

750mL

13.5%

Pioneer Hunter Valley winemaker, Alexander Munro was winemaker, Rhys Eather’s great-great-grandfather and these true reserve wines are released only in years that reflect the status of the label. The 2000 vintage was the Trophy winner at the 2000 Hunter Valley Wine Show for current vintage Chardonnay.

The old-vine ‘Casuarina’ Vineyard located on Hermitage Road in Pokolbin was again the Chardonnay vineyard source for the most recent 2019 vintage. This vineyard and has been consistently used by us since 2007 and is managed by Ken Braye.

2019 white wines are very impressive and slightly better quality than the excellent 2018, due to a slightly cooler ripening period. Slightly lower alcohols overall meant higher natural acid levels. Handpicked fruit was whole bunch pressed and barrel fermented in French oak hogsheads of which 60% were new. After 9 months maturation and no malolactic fermentation allowed, we bottled in December 2019 under screwcap.

Textbook Chardonnay aromas of white peach, nectarine and grapefruit. French oak spicy aromas to match. The medium-bodied palate has measured stone-fruit, melon and fig flavours. There is a beautiful balance with refreshing acid and an impressive length of flavour.

Medium term. 6—10 years.

White meats such as chicken and pork.