Chardonnay (Wild Ferment)

Over five generations the Hill~Smith family have been pioneers in selecting
exceptional vineyard sites to amplify the personality of their estate wines.
Hidden within the elevated slopes of the Adelaide Hills are cool-climate vineyards
that bear our Chardonnay grapes. Hand-picked, wild fermented, each parcel is
kept separate in French oak barriques and then selected to craft the finest wine.
A distinguishable union of region and variety, this characterful Chardonnay shows
fresh citrus flavours layered with texture, complexity and a seamless finish.
vintage conditions
A wet winter and spring filled the soil profile, giving the vines a healthy start to the
growing season. Spring and early summer temperatures in the Adelaide Hills were
particularly mild and below average, leading to a very sedate and lengthy ripening
period. Through late summer and autumn mild days and cool nights were a perfect
finish to the season, producing wines of restrained elegance with a high natural acidity.
viticulture & winemaking
From a vineyard hidden within the cool, elevated slopes of the Adelaide Hills,
this Chardonnay celebrates the synergy of region and variety and a no-compromise
attitude. Grapes were selectively hand-picked and chilled in our cold rooms before
whole bunch pressing. The juice was filled directly into a combination of new (25%)
and older French oak barriques for fermentation, which was carried out by indigenous
yeasts which are naturally present on the grapes. On completion of fermentation,
barrels were regularly topped and stirred over a nine month period in order to build
texture and complexity. Individual barrels were then carefully selected for the final
blend, which spent a further three months in oak before bottling.