The Optimist

2002 Abercorn Chardonnay $16.95

Old vines hold the key to this remarkable style of wine from Abercorn. The clone of vines can be traced back to the original 1832 imports from industry pioneer James Busby. (Mudgee is the home of Australian Chardonnay and is the source area for the modern planting boom of this classic variety.)

Moderate yields led to intense fruit flavours from the old vines. The season was again cool, the third such vintage in a row. Low yields meant an early ripening which enabled vines to ripen prior to any poor weather.

Clear conditions in the final month of ripening also helped to hasten the harvest and to obtain good acid levels to below average.

Like other grape varieties however the weather allowed for flavours that are described as intensely varietal, meaning they display characters typical of Mudgee Chardonnay.

The harvest date was right on average at March 3. The grapes were picked with acid levels of 4.5 grams/litre and a pH of 3.57. Sugar ripeness was 13.0 beaume.

Soon after yeast inoculation all of the free run juice was transferred to French barrels (one-quarter new) which were placed in a coolroom to slow and control the ferment. All of the pressings juice was rejected for the final wine. After ferment, lees contact continued for two months and the wine remained in barrel for 14 months One quarter of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation which softened the wine and enhanced mouthfeel. A medium bodied Chardonnay the 2002 Abercorn is intensely varietal with excellent fruit characters. It shows melon characters on the nose and well integrated 'secondary' characters such as barrel-ferment and malo. Great with a wide variety of dishes including pasta and seafood, it will improve with cellaring for 5 years.

Abercorn Wine
Cassilis Road,
Mudgee NSW 2850

Ph: 02 6373 3106
Fax: 02 6373 3108
Freecall: 1800 000 959

Email: sales@abercornwine.com.au

Abercorn Wine