Ministry of Clouds Chardonnay 2022

Ministry of Clouds is the creation of Bernice Ong and Julian Forwood and it’s just on a decade since they decided to leave the security of the corporate wine world (the ministry) for the adventure (the clouds) of their own wine venture. And it’s been quite a journey thus far. 100% Chardonnay from a pioneering vineyard on the East Coast of Tasmania, planted in 1979. Hand-picked and whole-bunch pressed to tank, to a mixture of new and old barrels (35% new) with full solids included for wild ferment. All barrels were then topped and sulphured to prevent malolactic conversion and thus retain natural acidity. No battonage was undertaken, but maturation on fine lees for 9months, has built gentle texture and complexity. A pure and tightly wound wine showing the muscle and intensity of the low yielding Birdwood site, and the fragile acid line synonymous with fine, late ripening and deeply cool Piccadilly Valley Chardonnay. A shy and somewhat restrained nose exuding white flowers, green nectarine characters, and subtle hints of nougat and gingery wood spice. On the palate, a bedrock of chalky minerality supports a core of intense stone fruit, framing its lingering acidity. Part came from Birdwood, but it’s the Piccadilly portion that provides the quality of this beautifully cadenced chardonnay, malolactic fermentation for 30% of the wine after fermentation in new and used French oak, plus nine months’ maturation. Expensive to make, quality the dividend. – James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion, 96 Points. The Finer Details Style – White Wine Varietal – Chardonnay Country – Australia Region – McLaren Value, South Australia Vintage – 2022 Bottle Size – 750ml ABV – 12.5%