Tasting Notes for Paxton NOW Preservative Free Chardonnay 2020

VARIETY: Chardonnay

100%: Organic | Biodynamic | Preservative Free

REGION: McLaren Vale

COLOUR: Bright greeny straw

AROMA: A delightful fragrance of butterscotch, honeycomb, white peach and pear

PALATE: A delicious mouth feel of lemon sorbet, rock melon and a creamy mid palate finishing with a lovely citrus minerality

CELLARING: Drink “NOW”

WINEMAKING & VINTAGE

VINTAGE: 2020 posed many challenges throughout Australia. Another intense drought year through the growing season was followed by one of the most devastating bushfire seasons this country has ever seen. Fortunately, McLaren Vale was largely unaffected by this devastation and the early signs indicate 2020 to be a very special vintage; one to savour. Moderate weather throughout the picking season, combined with lower yields allowed the flavours to develop harmoniously and in balance. Varietal expression was excellent with Shiraz and Grenache showing lovely intense flavour without excessive tannin or alcohol. Tempranillo and Graciano are showing lovely plum and pepper characters and will be intriguing to see how they develop after time in oak and bottle.

VINIFICATION: Selector harvested in the cool of the night once the grapes have reached optimum sugar and flavour equilibrium. Whole berry pressed, cold settled then the clear juice is racked off solids, warmed and fermented between 13-15oc. Post primary fermentation, the wine is warmed to 20oc to encourage secondary fermentation (malolactic fermentation). The yeast and malo lees are stirred for 3-4 weeks prior to blending and bottling.
No sulphur dioxide or preservatives were added in the making of this wine, however, sulphur dioxide is a natural by-product of the fermentation process.

ALCOHOL: 12.0%

PH: 3.26

TA: 4.77g/L

TOTAL SO2: 0ppm

WINEMAKER: Dwayne Cunningham and Kate Goodman

(SKU: PX_NWC_20)