Yarra Valley wines from Coldstream Hills
Chardonnay
The Coldstream Hills Reserve Chardonnay is the culmination of a strict selection process, where wine quality is paramount. Produced only in years where the quality is deemed to be exceptional, the wine is made from a selection of low yielding and mature vineyards. In addition to the twenty year old House and G Blocks, Coldstream Hills’ Briarston Vineyard provides an outstanding resource of Bernard clone (French clone) which add elegance and length to the wine. Gentle handling practices, including whole bunch pressing are carried out, with each batch undergoing barrel fermentation in new and used French oak. Wines remain on yeast lees post fermentation for approximately ten months until blending. In order to maintain natural acidity, malolactic fermentation is not encouraged.
Stylistically, the wine should display attractive cool climate fruit characters of stone fruit and citrus. Oak plays an important role, but does not dominate. Secondary characters of barrel fermentation and soil/grape solids derived minerality add further layers of complexity to the wine. The wines structure and length will reward careful cellaring.
Notes
- Grape Variety
- 100% Chardonnay
- Food Matches
- When released, beautiful with delicate seafood & salads but, as it ages, more suited to white meats
Vintages
* No vintages made for 2001
There is an emphasis here on varietal fruit and length of flavour, which the cool climate bestows on each grape variety. The Yarra Valley wines are designed to be enjoyed upon release & are attractive when young, but will certainly reward careful cellaring.
When the Yarra Valley and Reserve wines of the same vintage are tasted next to each other, the difference will be immediately obvious, yet the wines (and all Coldstream Hills wines) have a family resemblance.