Brokenwood, along with many Chardonnay producers, are harvesting much earlier than 15 years ago. This is partly due to many vineyards reaching maturity and therefore having excellent fruit flavour and concentration at lower sugar levels, but also due to our desire to retain natural fruit acidity. Additionally, consumers are demanding more finely structured Chardonnay, meaning lower alcohols and less oak. A compact harvest at Indigo Vineyard despite the high yields. A warm summer meant irrigation was necessary but fruit condition was excellent. The Indigo grapes were nearly a month ahead of previous years. Harvest commenced in clear weather at perfect ripeness.

The wine saw oxidative handling, leading to low phenolic levels and enhanced complexity. It was fermented using natural yeast in French oak barrels, 32% new oak, with a small portion fermented in stainless steel tanks.

Perfect, pale green colour and lifted grapefruit aromas. The French oak sits nicely with the fine, juicy citrus flavours on the palate, accompanied by subtle bran meal. The driving force of this wine is the acidity - long and pure. More than two-thirds from Beechworth, the balance being from the Hunter Valley. The final components of this wine basically selected themselves. Another top-notch vintage!