Patrick Sullivan Black Sands Chardonnay 2023

The vineyard is located a short distance to the west of the township of Heywood in western Victoria. Planted in 1990 by Alistair and Alice Taylor the vineyard has produced some of the most interesting and pronounced Chardonnay grown in Australia. The soil is a unique shallow blend of black volcanic sand and basalt over pure white limestone that runs deep.

WINEMAKING: The fruit is hand harvested into 450kg bins, chilled overnight and transferred to the winery. The fruit is whole cluster crushed into the press and drained off into tank for settling. Primary fermentation takes place in barrique (30% new) over 3 weeks followed by complete malolactic fermentation. Lees stirring occurs twice towards the end of primary fermentation then once more at the completion of malolactic fermentation.

NOSE: Lemon rind, marmalade, brioche and marzipan.

PALATE: Fresh Nectarine, aromatic orange blossom. Full bodied with nicely integrated oak. Juicy creamed limes and well-structured persistent length. Full of life and a truly enjoyable glass of wine.