Return to Cambrian

2009 Yarra Valley Chardonnay

Current Vintage 2009

The 2009 Yarra Valley Chardonnay continues our evolution towards a more pure and refined style of this variety. We believe this is the best way to express the inherent character of our Upper Yarra Valley Vineyards. This wine exhibits a delicate bouquet of quince, fig and peach, which are combined on the palate with refreshing minerality and balanced acidity. Oak plays an every so slight supporting role, both on the nose and on the palate.
(Scroll to the bottom of this page to see all reviews for current and past vintages of the Shelmerdine Chardonnay)

The Vineyard

The wine is primarily sourced from north-east facing, 21 year old Chardonnay vines (P58 clone) from the Lusatia Park Vineyard, near Woori Yallock, in the cool Upper Yarra Valley. Mature vines, elevation over 200 metres and volcanic soils in this vineyard combine to produce fine, minerally Chardonnay fruit.

The Winemaking

The fruit for this wine was hand-picked to ensure intact berries before being gently whole-bunch pressed. The juice was lightly settled, then racked to French oak for barrel fermentation. The barrel selection consisted of medium toast barrels sourced predominantly from the forests of Troncais and Vosges, non of which was new, to encourage delicacy and expression of site. The wines remained in barrel for 10 months with regular lees stirring before blending and bottling under screwcap in early 2010.

Technical Data

Alcohol: 12.5%
Standard Drinks: 7.4
pH: 3.04
TA: 6.5g/l