Winery notes (2022 Vintage)
"The Judge & Jury chardonnay is grown on The Tiger and Viper Vineyards in the Lowburn and Parkburn regions of the Cromwell basin. A steep slope overlooking the Tiger vineyard in Lowburn produces the same aromatically spicy and floral profiles that we find in the Pinot Noir grown there, as well as similar persistence and very long lived flavours. While the Viper Vineyard in Parkburn grows intensely lemony and creates a weighty Chardonnay, the palate length showcases the rich mineral acid and saline notes typical of this vineyard.
We are keeping the crop load very low, and the wine is predominantly fermented in tank while a small portion is fermented in barrel. The result is a wine that is tight, refreshingly pure and mineral driven, showcasing cool climate fruit where the oak is very much in the background. Best from 2023 on.
An intense bouquet of green apple and ripe citrus is first up before more complex notes of white flowers, creaminess and wet stone are released. There is good intensity on the palate with rich citrus and apple fruits. Beautifully balanced and seamless the wine is extremely drinkable, with lingering citrus and nutty notes with a light salinity bringing some extra focus and purity."