Moss Wood Chardonnay 2023

Product Information: The 2023 season was reminiscent of the acclaimed 2018 and 2001 vintages, promising excellent quality. Complex, rich, veils of fruit flavours. Moss Wood’s Chardonnay has superb aging capacity. Fastidious viticulture, fermentation & lees ageing in French barriques. There’s intense white peach, nectarine and lemon cheesecake. Very complex with subtle notes of nougat, toasted oats, cashew and shortbread in the background. Acidity and phenolics are on point, firm without being aggressive, and interweave with the middle and back palate seamlessly. All fruit was hand-picked and delivered to the winery, where it was hand-sorted on our vibrating sorting table. The whole bunches were then pressed using our pneumatic membrane press, and the juice was clarified by flotation in stainless steel tank. The clear juice was seeded for primary fermentation in tank for primary and malolactic fermentation then transferred to 228-litre French oak barriques mid fermentation. After fermentation, all barrels were racked and blended in tank, with the finished wine returned to barrels in May 2023. For maturation took 18 months, 49% were new, and the remaining 51% were second and third use. Maker: Planted in 1969, Moss Wood is an important, founding estate of the Margaret River wine region, located in the northern sub–region of Wilyabrup, Western Australia. Clare & Keith Mugford, as winemakers, viticulturalists & proprietors, have been making wine & tending the vineyard at Moss Wood since 1984 & 1979, respectively. Their exacting viticulture ensures the production of grapes of excellent quality & they have created a stable of fine wines distinguished by their consistency over each vintage & their ability to age superbly. Being part of the Langton’s ‘Exceptional’ ranking since 1991 and other internationally respected wine awards, the couple has also proven that other Moss Wood wines, like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Semillons, showcase exceptional quality and longevity. Moss Wood believes that wine quality is determined in the vineyard and viticultural techniques are constantly reassessed and informed by current research, both of others and our own. This has seen trials and improvements in trellising systems, soil conservation practices and pruning practices. The Moss Wood and Ribbon Vale Vineyards are located in the Wilyabrup sub-region, the heart of the Margaret River wine region. At 115° 18’ east longitude and approximately three hours drive south of Perth, Western Australia’s capital city, Margaret River is recognised as one of the world’s great wine producing regions garnering international acclaim for Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon in particular. The Margaret river site is inspired by the scientific work of Dr John Gladstones who identified the value of the maritime climate for the production of high quality wine and is one of the most isolated and pure grape growing regions in the world, sitting immediately besides the pristine Indian Ocean. Vineyard: The 2022/23 growing season was exceptionally favourable, with 1114mm of rain – 9% above average – providing ample soil moisture. Flowering conditions were ideal, with just 38.6mm of rain and minimal temperature drops, setting the stage for a strong season. The summer was mild to warm, with an average temperature of 19°C, and the vines enjoyed optimal photosynthesis conditions with minimal heat stress. Despite a slightly lower yield of 5.89 t/ha, the quality remains high due to the mature 48-year-old chardonnay vines, which benefit from a robust root system that ensures good nutrient and water access. Additional positives included disease-free vines and plenty of Marri blossom, keeping pests away. The season’s temperature closely matches celebrated vintages from 2018 and 2001, promising excellent wine quality if 2023 mirrors these exceptional years. Nose – Taut, Lemon Curd, Sizzled Butter Taut, high-energy chardonnay with lemon curd, toasty French oak, sizzled butter. Palate – White Peach, Grapefruit, Cashew Rich white peach and grapefruit marmalade supported by fresh acidity and fine peppery tannins. Finish – Lemon Scents, Shortbread, Chalky Acid Nice lemon scents yield to more lemon zest flavours with a chalky acidity sustaining the finish. The Finer Details Style – White Wine Varietal – Chardonnay Country – Australia Region – Margaret River, Western Australia Vintage – 2023 Bottle Size – 750ml ABV – 14% Closure – Screw Cap