SRH Chardonnay 2025

SRH Chardonnay is made from a distinctive 12-row, 2.46-acre vineyard block at the Olive Tree Hill vineyard. Planted in 1976 to clone P58, these rows are unique from the rest of the vineyard, in part due to their direct contact with an ancient seabed in the soil profile. The 12 rows sit in the middle of a north-facing slope, and the rows run east-west. These are our oldest Chardonnay vines and are profoundly influenced by the complex soils of clay, limestone and marine sediment.

Handpicked parcels of fruit were whole bunch pressed, settled overnight, and racked to barrels for a wild yeast fermentation in French oak hogsheads and puncheons; approximately 40% was new oak. Malolactic fermentation occurred on approximately 70% of the blend. The wine was left on lees, mostly unstirred, for 10 months prior to blending and bottling.

Aromas of stony minerals, pie crust, dried hay, preserved citrus and crème caramel, with a subtle savoury note reminiscent of herbed stock. The palate is powerful yet precise, layered and complex, a core of concentrated citrus and stone fruit tingling with electric-like energy, all driven by fresh acidity. From our oldest Chardonnay vines, the wine carries a distinct minerality shaped by the site's ancient seabed, clay and limestone, with a long, lingering finish and its deep sense of place. Tightly coiled in its youth, this is a compelling Chardonnay with outstanding cellaring potential.