SEASON:

2023 was a small, high-quality vintage in the Yarra Valley. The season was defined by a cool Spring, a mild growing season, coolvnights, and medium to high rainfall.
2023 was one of the coolest and latest harvests on record, with our first pick starting two and a half weeks later than the previous average. The grapes in 2023 had lovely fruit concentration with bright natural acidities.


VINIFICATION:

100% handpicked and whole bunch pressed.
The juice was then transferred directly to barrel by gravity with no settling, taking full lees.
Wild fermented in 500L French oak puncheons.
No bâtonnage. No Malolactic fermentation.
Maturation for 9 months in used French oak – 25% 2nd use, 75% seasoned, Mercurey, Taransaud and Dargaud & Jaeglé.


THE VINEYARD:

Location: Gladysdale

Planted: 1997

Elevation: 180 - 260 metres

Soil type: Grey clay loam over black (basalt) volcanic base

Aspect: East facing slopes

Size: 12.5 Hectares

Applejack Vineyard is a special site, located on a dramatic slope in the
upper Yarra Valley and is closely planted and fastidiously managed.
It was planted by respected viticulturist Ray Guerin in 1997.
The basalt based underlying volcanic soil and rock produce a
characteristically fine yet extended, spicy and firm palate.

The higher altitude results in a cooler and extended growing season, ideally suited to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (3-4 weeks later than central Yarra Valley).

Chardonnay from Applejack requires lots of attention to detail in the
vineyard, with focus put on crop loads and fruit exposure to ensure even
ripeness and acid levels.
This chardonnay is savoury, with lovely notes of lemon rind and grilled
nuts.

97 points - "A focused, sharp line of citrus flavours and aromas is driven by clean, crisp acidity, with tightly wound lemon and sharp green apple notes propelled by measured power. The Chardonnay I10V1 vine clones from this steep, 280m-high site demand different treatment – no malolactic fermentation, no battonage of lees during fermentation in mostly older French oak barrels, then nine months’ maturation. This is just enough to add a savory rim and a hint of roasted hazelnut to the smooth palate line, without intruding on a clean, crisp finish. It’s clean, confident and assured." - David Sly (Decenter)

96 points - "Anything Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir can do, Applejack Chardonnay can do just as well. This is a ripping chardonnay. It has fruit power up its sleeve and in its wrist bands and everywhere else. And yet it’s tight. And stony. Shot with white peach. And run with apple, sweet cedar, brine and the wet leaves of a lemon tree. There’s some dare to the acidity but it brings flavour with it; it took the risk and it turned out, the reward was worth it. This is an advanced level wine. You drink it, and you know all you need to know." - Campbell Mattinson (The Wine Front)

96 points - "Applejack vineyard was planted at Gladysdale by Ray Guerin in 1997, and only 2ha of its 11ha is planted to chardonnay. It is named for the Applejack eucalypts that surround it. Whole-bunch pressed straight to barrel with full solids and matured in mainly second use puncheons. A very bright green gold. A pure and gently reticent bouquet of stone fruits, lemon verbena and crushed rocks. The palate is tightly coiled, steely, saline and focused. A wine with excellent potential." - Philip Rich (Halliday Wine Companion)

96 points - "Anything Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir can do, Applejack Chardonnay can do just as well. This is a ripping chardonnay. It has fruit power up its sleeve and in its wrist bands and everywhere else. And yet it’s tight. And stony. Shot with white peach. And run with apple, sweet cedar, brine and the wet leaves of a lemon tree. There’s some dare to the acidity but it brings flavour with it; it took the risk and it turned out, the reward was worth it. This is an advanced level wine. You drink it, and you know all you need to know." - Campbell Mattinson (The Wine Front)