Green to pale straw. Distinctive white peach aromas typical of Chardonnay have been accentuated by the subtle clove and cashew nut oak. Enjoy at the time of release for its fresh fruit flavours. Serving Temperature: Serve chilled (12-14 degrees C)

McWilliam’s Wines, one of Australia’s most highly respected family-owned wine companies, has been at the forefront of Australian winemaking since 1877. McWilliam’s Hanwood Estate wines, noted for their complexity and fresh fruit flavours, have been crafted from premium fruit sourced from renowned wine regions in South Eastern Australia.

Wine maker notes

Premium parcels of fruit were selected in the vineyard and harvested under optimal conditions. Grapes were crushed into ‘Mac’ drainers, with the free run juice separated and cool fermented in a range of different fermentation conditions, providing distinctive blending components. A 50 per cent portion of this wine benefited from the influence of new French oak coupled with yeast lees autolysis during fermentation and six month maturation period. A smaller portion underwent malolactic fermentation.

Technical notes

Varietal Content: Chardonnay Varietal Origin: Australia: 69.5% Riverina; 14. Harvest Notes: The 2004 harvest displayed below average temperatures during flowering and set which culminated in very good crops. Two heat waves, in December and February, ripened grapes earlier than normal producing greater balance of sugar and natural acidity. Oak Aging: Barrel fermentation and new French oak provides essential complexity of flavour and texture in this Chardonnay. Titratable Acidity: 6 pH: 3 Alcohol Level: 13 Residual Sugar: 0

Food pairing

Sophisticated mix of primary tropical fruit and classic complexity by partial malolactic fermentation and lees contact. Crisp acid gives length and structure to the generous palate. Try serving this Chardonnay with grilled salmon steaks and baby new potatoes.