Windows Estate- Petit Lot Chardonnay 2021

Produced from the two more mineral based sites, Violette’s and Lucas’ block,s four clones of Chardonnay have been planted to bring complex layers from the vineyard site. Half of Violette’s block has North South facing rows, this is where the power for the Chardonnay originates, the East West facing rows in Violette’s block delivering the grapefruit core and contribute the natural acidity. Lucas’s block provides a more subtle stone fruit and linear minerality.

Soil Type(s): Granite, clay and quartz studded with ironstone

Hand picked, whole bunch pressed straight to oak. Natural ferment, using native yeasts. Different clones aged on lees differently. Aged for 11 months in french oak a mixture of barriques and puncheons.

2021 in Margaret River recorded slightly cooler than average temperatures in the beginning months, certainly in contrast to the previous year. This led to a later harvest, which, similarly to 2017 and 2019, didn’t commence until early March and continued for many until late April. Chris had also spent many hours in the vineyard focusing on canopy management, ensuring good airflow and consistent sun exposure among the vines. This meant a healthy vineyard with no disease pressure and grapes in perfect balance. Fortunately, because of Chris’ hard work in the vineyard, and lower than average crops the whites had all been handpicked prior to the heavy rain which the region experienced. As a result, the rain energized the soil for the red varieties that ripened slowly in moderate temperatures over the following month/s. 2021 is a year where it will become apparent as to the work that was put into the vineyard, Chris has never spent so much time in the vineyard throughout harvest as he did this year, it was however necessary to ensure that only pristine quality fruit was handpicked. The whites showing a fresh acidity, pronounced aromatics and good fruit intensity, and reds having a full rounded flavor, due to the fact they were able to wallow in the extended warm weather before picking.

Oysters, Shellfish, Crudo, Sashimi, Pan-fried Sole or Any White Fish, Halibut or Rabbit Rilletes, Radish, Celery, Apple pie

• Japanese, American, French, Vegetarian, Coastal