VINTAGE

We had above average winter rainfall and although we had a dry June, we recorded decent falls in July and August. Below average rainfall was recorded in spring, and we experienced some warm spring nights. Summer rain tally was also below average despite a wet December. McLaren Vale experienced warm a warm Autumn ripening period with low rainfall. Overall vintage in McLaren Vale produced wine of excellent quality and while total tonnages were down for the season, compared to a wet and fertile 2017, the reports from winemakers on wine quality has been almost universally positive.

WINEMAKING

Whatever you want darling, it’s yours, said Joch lovingly to his chardonnay. Best oak, gentle natural and barrel ferment, a little bit of lees stirring before coaxing into bottle for a rest prior to release. We use French oak hogsheads (they are 300L) so the impact of the oak on the wine is less than with the smaller barrique (225 L), but of course it is exquisite oak from the best French oak forests and hand crafted by the finest coopers. We try to stop the wine going through malolactic fermentation (where the malic acid turns to lactic acid) so we preserve the crunchy acidity.

TASTING NOTES

We are not afraid of flavour here at Bosworth, and while this Chardonnay is a long way away from the voluptuous full buttery styles of the 1980’s, you can see how we arrived where we did. We love the rich stone fruit and cashew notes, we love the oak which while integrated is still apparent and we love the length and lovely acidity. Stone fruits and citrus on the nose, a touch of cashew nut and great length and acidity to balance the richness.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

(SKU: BB_CHD_18)