2019 SOS Yarra Valley Chardonnay
Alc/vol 12.8%. 860 dozen made
$30.00
Yarra Valley – Coombe Farm Vineyard
*** 89 points, Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion, October 2023 ***
Stonefruit, almonds & white flowers. Textured, long & lingering.
Drink with; Roast chicken with thyme and garlic or a big box of salty popcorn.
Grown on the loamy soils of the Yarra Valley floor, Clone 96 from Coombe farm was harvested in the final week of February. Another vigorous year provided plenty of healthy bunches. A mild growing and ripening season was finished off with a heat spike in the second half of February, advancing flavours development prior to picking.
The fruit was immediately pressed on arrival in the winery to be cooled and settled. 75% of the must was transferred to tank and 25% to seasoned barrels, both were allowed to ferment with natural yeasts. Malolactic conversion occurred naturally in both barrel and tank. Following this a small SO2 addition was made. There were no adjustments to acid and no fermentation aids were required either. Clarification agents were not used and only a small tweak of Sulphur Dioxide was again added before the bottling some 18 months after harvest.
The 2019 is the definition of SOS Chardonnay. The nose shows aromas of stone fruits, almonds, and white flowers. The wine is textured and long. The palate is soft, round and perfectly balanced. It is looking fully resolved and drinking beautifully.
“Aromas are a bit subdued, understated, gently citrusy and herbaceous. It’s sleek, minty, with cool citrus, lime leaf, white nectarine crunch and roasted almonds. Flavours linger mainly in the front. Nevertheless, lots of tasty Chardonnay traits here and it’s a pleasant drink overall”. 91 Points Kasia Sobiesiak, The Wine Front April 2023
“75% tank and 25% barrel fermented with both portions going through malo. An intriguing wine with aromas of peach, custard apple and a little lemon meringue. Well balanced, gentle viscous and with relatively soft acid this punter friendly wine is hot to trot.” 89 Points Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion October 2023
