2020 Corofin Wrekin Vineyard Chardonnay

Organic. Planted in 2002, the Wrekin Vineyard is a small, organically certified (Biogro) and biodynamically farmed site at the top of the Brancott Valley, almost in its own locality. It’s a great new site for Corofin, providing both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay of “exceptional individuality and quality”, according to Paterson. Owned by Jan and Andrew Johns and farmed by Jeremy Highland, Wrekin sits in the lee of the scarps of the Southern Valley foothills, on clay-rich soils laid over greywacke mother-rock. Orientated northeast and planted at 4,000 vines per hectare (to moderate vigour), it’s also one of the highest vineyards in the valley, producing fruit that is often the last to be harvested each year. Hand-harvested and whole-bunch pressed, this release was fermented wild on high solids in three 500-litre seasoned French oak puncheons and a single 300-litre stainless steel barrel. Racked to tank after five months, the wine then stayed on lees for another five months before being bottled (unfined and unfiltered). Befitting the cooler nature of the vintage, the nose exudes aromas of flowers and wet stone while the palate is sleek and elegant, balancing alluring texture with a clear, precise and savoury finish. Great energy and drive from a Chablis-styled Corofin vintage.