Vineyards

Fruit for the 2024 Flametree SRS Chardonnay was sourced from two sites located in the southern part of the Wallcliffe sub-region, south of the Margaret River town site. The first component came from old, low yielding Gingin clone material at Chapman Grove, the second being close planted, higher density Leeuwin block 20 cuttings planted at Edinger Estate. Excellent soil structure and good vineyard aspect meant that the fruit was protected from the warm afternoon heat during December and January. The fruit was carefully hand-picked in the early morning and refrigerated overnight before pressing the following day.

Winemaking

After overnight cold storage the fruit was whole bunch pressed into French oak puncheons before undergoing full wild yeast fermentation. To achieve a portion with high grape solids we rotated the press after filling. The key to successful wild fermentation is the use of high turbidity juices, minimal sulphur dioxide, low potential alcohols and juices with good nutrient content. The SRS Chardonnay was barrel fermented in 33% new French puncheons and then aged for 10 months. The decision was made to not employ MLF or lees stirring as the fruit power and texture were already in great balance.

Tasting Notes

The 2024 SRS Chardonnay shows lovely lifted fruit together with some delicate savoury notes from solids and wild ferment. Grapefruit, white peach and dried pear give way to barrel ferment and flinty complexities. Powerful fruit flavours, barrel ferment and subtle sulphides derived from wild ferment contribute a delicious savoury oyster shell/saline character on the palate, giving the wine greater complexity and overall purity. This modern style ultimately complements many Australian food flavours, particularly seafood. Showing the fruit power of the warm 2024 vintage the 2024 SRS Chardonnay drinks

BLEND 100% Margaret River Chardonnay

ALCOHOL 13.4%