GIESEN ORGANIC CHARDONNAY 2019

Gold Medal – International Wine Challenge 2023
Gold Medal & 95/100 – The International Wine & Spirits Competition 2023

Winery notes (2019 Vintage)
"The three founding Giesen brothers believe legacy is vital, and to that end, they aim to leave the land better than they found it. That’s why they’re passionate about organics – as a means of improving the environment. What’s more, significant investment in organic vineyards has seen the Giesen brothers delighted by the quality of the grapes and the rich, intense wines resulting from our premium organic fruit.

Enjoy vibrant aromas of lemon barley and mandarin peel with hints of freshly baked brioche. The palate is vibrant; citrus and fresh-cut stone fruit with hints of honey and roasted hazelnuts, finishing with length and poise.

Fruit was selectively hand-picked to ensure optimal conditions for each sub-block and the fruit arrived at the winery in pristine condition. The grapes were whole-bunch pressed with the free-run juice settled and transferred to oak. A wild yeast starter created a warm natural fermentation. Fermented in 1000 litre German Oak Fuder barrels and 300L French Oak Hogshead, the wine rested on lees for 11 months prior to racking and underwent 100% malolactic fermentation."

5 Stars Michael Cooper, July 2022 (2019 Vintage)
"The very ageworthy 2019 vintage has a fragrant, complex, slightly biscuity bouquet. Weighty, with generous, peachy, citrusy, mealy flavours, it is complex and savoury, with a creamy-textured, very harmonious and lingering finish. Best drinking 2022+."

5 Stars & 95/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, March 2020 (2019 Vintage)
"Wonderfully styled and refined, the wine shows ripe stone fruit, mango, citrus peel and vanilla characters on the nose with a hint of oatmeal. The palate delivers lovely weight and persistency together with creamy mouthfeel and bright acidity, making the wine brilliantly structured and lingering. Magnificently poised and promising to evolve gracefully. At its best: 2021 to 2029."

95/100 Judges' Comments IWSC 2023 (2019 Vintage)
"Complex and concentrated nose of fresh pineapple and plump ripe pears with an intense and powerful palate of tarte tatin, white almonds and spiced cloves. It has a creamy texture with lovely balance and poise, before a concentrated, polished, lingering finish."

Rated Excellent & 94/100 Cameron Douglas MS, January 2024 (2019 Vintage)
"An appearance, bouquet and palate of a wine that is ready with flavours of peaches and nut, vanilla and lees, baked apple and whisps of wood smoke. The complexities have developed into the delicious, textured and lengthy expression. The textures showcase fine tannins and a cream quality with a lemon custard layer all enhanced by the acid line, a decent weight and length and saline complex finish. As the wine opens out in glass a gentle flinty quality begins to show. Well made with best drinking from 2024 through 2029."