Giesen Single Vineyard Clayvin Chardonnay 2018

This is an intense and complex Chardonnay offering ripe peaches, honey and cashews with brioche nuance. It shares its terroir with both savoury and mineral flavour. On the palate it has a satiny texture which is complemented by a lively acid backbone, finishing with lingering honey notes.

Planted in 1993, this north-facing vineyard is organically farmed and employs biodynamic principles. High-density planting reduces the vigour of the vines, promoting effective root systems, focusing energy and vine balance delivering highly concentrated flavoured grapes. Noting the potential of this extraordinary vineyard, The Giesen brothers purchased the site in 2015 following a long-term lease to ensure they could continue the legacy, producing exceptional wines.

The 2018 vintage will be remembered for the two ex-tropical cyclones in the late summer, the early ripening Clayvin Chardonnay was able to be hand harvested early prior to any disease complications.

The season started with dry, spring growing conditions. November was particularly dry. The warm, settled conditions carried on through flowering. January was hot and wet, the mean temperature was 2.6% higher while the recorded rainfall 180 % of the long-term average. The Viticulture teams were kept on their toes, ensuring the vine stayed in balance while ensuring the vines energy was focused on the grape bunches. Clayvin is renowned for the level of detail in the vineyard, constant canopy management ensures disease pressure is kept in check while ensuring the fruit receives optimum light interception, and warmth to support concentrated flavours. The Chardonnay block is located in the north-east which is typically cooler than the more Southern blocks that enjoy heat pockets trapped within the various slopes. The 2018 vintage will be remembered for the two ex-tropical cyclones in the late summer, the early ripening Clayvin Chardonnay was able to be hand harvested early prior to any disease complications.

Fruit was selectively hand-picked to ensure picking at optimal ripeness. It arrived at the winery in optimum condition.