The Pepper Tree Venus Block Chardonnay 2022 hails from the high-altitude vineyards of Orange, New South Wales, a region increasingly lauded for its cool-climate viticulture. The 'Venus Block' specifically benefits from elevations exceeding 600 metres, which ensures a prolonged ripening period, fostering optimal flavour development while preserving crucial natural acidity.
Winemaking at Pepper Tree for this cuvée focuses on expressing the inherent quality of the fruit. Typically, this involves careful whole-bunch pressing, fermentation in a combination of new and seasoned French oak barriques, and extended maturation on lees. This judicious oak regime contributes textural complexity and subtle spice notes without overshadowing the wine's vibrant fruit profile.
The resulting Chardonnay is a testament to Orange's potential for producing wines of structure and elegance. It embodies regional typicity with its balance of bright citrus and stone fruit characters, underpinned by a refined minerality and a persistent, creamy finish.
Tasting notes
A luminous pale gold in the glass. The nose presents an intricate bouquet of white peach, nectarine, and lemon zest, interwoven with delicate nuances of toasted hazelnut, brioche, and a subtle flinty minerality. The palate is precise and beautifully structured, offering a harmonious interplay of ripe orchard fruit and vibrant citrus acidity. A creamy texture, derived from judicious lees stirring, is balanced by a refreshing tension, leading to a long, elegant finish marked by a saline minerality and a hint of vanilla bean.