Cape Landing Blackwood Chardonnay

"Fruit from the Calgardup Road vineyard, whole clusters, fermented in barrel, matured for 10 months in French oak, regular bâtonnage. Restrained, sophisticated, and with a line of saline acid that streaks down the side of the fruit (like a black striped minnow). This is long and sophisticated, with great flavour concentration. It feels effortless, and that is in line with what we have come to expect from the 2020 vintage in the context of Margaret River whites" – Erin Larkin.

Cape Landing – 2020 Blackwood Chardonnay Art 1.pdf

• RegionMargaret River, Western Australia
• Vintage2021
• TypeWhite Wine
• VarietyChardonnay
• Volume750ml
• Alcohol Volume13.2%
• Bottling Date

  February 2021

• Background

  Cape Landing’s Blackwood series of limited production premium wines represent the pinnacle of viticulture and the very best of wine making at Cape Landing. The finest parcels of fruit from each vintage are hand-picked, selected from individual vines, each distinguished by clone, aspect, soil and overall fruit quality from our Calgardup Road vineyard.

• Vintage Notes

  The 2020 vintage in Margaret River produced considerably lower than average fruit yields, particularly with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc where fruit development has affected by adverse weather conditions during November. The fruit produced, although limited in quantity, was of exquisite quality and 2020 could well end up being and outstanding vintage. Spring fruit development was early followed by fine sunny, dry conditions throughout the summer months. This, combined with lower yields, brought an early start to harvest, with Chardonnay picked approximately 2 weeks ahead of average. Conditions were ideal early on with no disease and minimal bird pressure due to timely onset of Marri Blossom. Bird pressure increased following rainfall in late February. Conditions cooled slightly in the later summer months, extending the red vintage, but delivering ideal tannin ripening and fruit flavour preservation.

• Vineyard Notes

  Our various blocks of Chardonnay vines are all planted north-south, allowing even sunlight and warmth on either side of the canopy throughout the growing season. Meticulous canopy management helps achieve our ultimate goal of dappled light, yielding the perfect balance of intense fruit flavours; fine texture; and structural natural acidity. Following veraison, vines are covered with bird netting through to harvest.

• Winemaking

  The fruit for our Blackwood Chardonnay is hand-harvested at first light and whole- cluster pressed straight to ferment in carefully selected Burgundian French Oak barriques, 35% of which are new. Natural solids are retained and incorporated into the juice so as to harness and express every bit of aromatic, textural and structural character. After a long cool ferment, the wine is aged over light lees for a further 10 months in French Oak, 40% of which were new, with fortnightly bâttonage adding to inherent textural weight and palate concentration. After aging the wine is blended, lightly fined and filtered before bottling.

• Tasting Notes

  "Aromas of lavender, pistachio, toasted walnut, stonefruit and white pepper greet the nose. On the palate, the wine speaks of mandarin pith, lychee, yellow peach and red apple skins. The phenolics are very fine and shapely. Overall, this is a classy and gently toasty chardonnay of poise and restraint" – Erin Larkin for Halliday ‘Cellaring Guide’.

• Style

  Classic single vineyard 100% Chardonnay.

• Colour

  Light green with subtle yellow tones.

• Bouquet

  White pear, brioche, lime zest and untoasted cashews.

• Palate

  Natural acidity and pure fruit tannins deliver flavours of viscous stone fruit and a focused finish of apricots, lime and plums with subtle tones of creamy French oak.

• Peak Drinking / Cellaring Potential

  This Blackwood Chardonnay will continue to mature in bottle, and can be cellared for 5 – 15 years.

• Previous Vintage Tasting Notes

  Aromas of white pear, brioche, freshly squeezed lime and crushed granite. On the palate natural acidity and pure fruit tannins deliver flavours and textures of grapefruit pith, slate and assorted stone fruits, an utterly focused finish, and subtle tones of creamy French oak.