History

These eight year old Chardonnay vines sitting up on a rocky hill at over 420 metres in the rather exposed Eden Valley ranges, show a determined character being fully exposed to the elements. The wine too shows a steely character with typical cool climate acid backbone, and a fresh, fruit salad aroma and palate. Brief new French oak contact has added complexities of subtle flinty and butterscotch characters. This wine is great now but will evolve over the next 5 years ” - Richard Langford

Winemaking

Our Eden Valley Chardonnay is a relatively new addition to the Elderton white wine stable. We were so impressed by the fruit off our Craneford Vineyard this year, that we saw much promise in producing a premium interpretation of the Chardonnay variety. Whilst being a modern, light, new-world expression, we also believe this will appeal to the lovers of the style made famous by the great vineyards of Chablis in France’s Burgundy region.

Viticulture

Our Eden Valley vineyard lies just South of the small township of Craneford. As like our other Eden Valley locations, the soil and climate varies quite considerably to that of the Barossa Valley floor. It is generally wetter, cooler and the soils tend to be skeletal and minerally. Aspect also varies significantly, with rolling hills and valleys providing much site variation. The Craneford Vineyard is tended to by our own viticulturalist, David Young, and neighbouring vigneron Merv Storton, who both ensure utmost care is taken in every step of the vine cycle.

Awards

•  2009 Hobart International Wine Show - SILVER
•  2009 Melbourne Wine Show - BRONZE
•  2009 Barossa Wine Show - BRONZE

Reviews

•  Tony Love - The Advertiser January 2010 - Next-gen Chardonnay in the fresh and crisp style with a shy little nose, bright and clean, subtle and delicate fruit, crunchy white nectarine more than anything. A lightly pithy and minerally feel.
•  James Halliday - Australian Wine Companion 2011 - 89 POINTS