The grapes sourced for Stonier Chardonnay were carefully chosen from multiple enduring vineyards owned by Stonier, centrally located near Merricks, Balnarring, and Merricks North. With a rich history on the Mornington Peninsula, most of these vineyards boast over 15 years of age, with several exceeding 25 years.
This Chardonnay underwent fermentation in a blend of French oak puncheons (10% new, predominantly one and two years old) and some seasoned barriques. The wine matured for a total period of 10 months, followed by additional time in tanks post-blending.
Benefiting from the mild conditions of the 2021 season, the grapes achieved ripeness with balanced acidity at lower sugar levels. Consequently, the resulting wine exhibits a more savory flavor profile compared to its predecessor. The pronounced acid shift from malolactic fermentation imparts an added dimension of volume and power to the wine. A timeless vintage, this Chardonnay is poised to evolve gracefully over the medium term, showcasing enhanced honey and biscuit notes with age.