Viticulture

Fruit sourced to make the Yelverton is grown with absolute attention to detail. Identification of soil boundaries within blocks is the first step in selecting potentially superior fruit. Close monitoring and analysis of these vines leads to shoot or bunch thinning by hand if required to obtain the perfect balance for good exposure and healthy ripening. A philosophy of minimal inputs in these premium blocks allows the unique combination of variety, soil type and microclimate to shine through and produce a parcel of fruit with true character. The 2022 vintage was a mild growing season allowing the fruit to ripen slowly which helped to retain fine natural acidity.

Winemaking

Our Forester Yelverton Chardonnay grapes are hand picked and held in cold storage overnight to eliminate the need for must chilling. All fruit is whole bunch pressed with only the first 500 litres per tonne used to make this wine. The juice is then left to start fermentation naturally in barrel. 75% of the wine was put through malo-lactic fermentation for the sole purpose of reducing the harsh malic acid. The barrels were stirred over seven months before the wine was allowed to clarify and rest on lees before careful selection of the best barrels to make the final blend.

Storage / Bottling

The 2022 Yelverton was bottled in January of 2023 to premium Burgundy glass with a stelvin closure. Stored in our temperature controlled cellar prior to release this wine is drinking exceptionally well now and with prudent storage should continue to show well towards 2030.

Awards & Achievements

2022 Yelverton Reserve Chardonnay

Royal Queensland Wine Show 2023 | GOLD 95 Pts
Wine Showcase Magazine 2023 | GOLD 96 Pts
Ray Jordan Wine Guide 2024 | 96 points

“A wine that moves effortlessly into another zone in quality and style. Its a mighty impressive wine that has been handcrafted from the picking through to the cellar. The fruit is off some pretty old vines and its been given 14 months in oak. Creamy stone fruit and even a touch of brioche and lemon rind, yet it retains its pristine elegance. There`s a slight pithiness which appeals. The palate is long with a structured precision”
Ray Jordan,   Score: 96/100

Wine Show of Western Australia 2023 | Silver
Royal Melbourne Wine Show 2023 | Silver
James Halliday Chardonnay Challenge 2023 | Bronze
International Wine & Spirits Competition 2023 | Bronze
Sydney Royal Wine Awards 2023 | Bronze
Royal Hobart Wine Show 2023 | Bronze
Royal Adelaide Wine Show 2023 | Bronze
Margaret River Wine Show 2023 | Bronze

2019 Yelverton Reserve Chardonnay

London International Wine Challenge 2021 | GOLD
Winestate Magazine 2022 New Release | 98 Pts, 5 Stars
The Real Review | Gold 96 points
Halliday Wine Companion | 91 Points
Australian Small Wine Makers Show 2022 | Silver
Wine Show of WA 2021 | Silver
Royal Adelaide Wine Show 2020 | Bronze
Australian Small Wine Makers Show 2021| Bronze
Wine Show of Western Australia 2020 | Bronze
Decanter World Wine Awards 2021 | Bronze
Royal Hobart Wine Show 2021 | Bronze

2018 Yelverton Reserve Chardonnay

London International Wine Challenge 2020 | TROPHY – MARGARET RIVER CHARDONNAY TROPHY
London International Wine Challenge 2020 | GOLD
Australian Small Wine Makers Show 2019 | TROPHY – CHAMPION CHARDONNAY OF THE SHOW
Australian Small Wine Makers Show 2019 | GOLD
Halliday Wine Companion | 93 Points
Magazine 2020 Chardonnay Tasting | 4.5 Stars Wine Show of WA 2019 | Silver
Perth Royal Wine Awards | Silver
London International Wine Challenge 2019 | Bronze
Decanter World Wine Awards 2020 | Bronze
Margaret River Wine Show 2020 | Bronze
Royal Adelaide Wine Show 2020 | Bronze

2017 Yelverton Reserve Chardonnay

Halliday Wine Companion | 95 Points
International Wine & Spirit Competition 2018 | Silver
London International Wine Challenge 2018 | Silver
Decanter World Wine Awards 2019 | Silver
Wine Show of WA 2019 | Bronze
Royal Hobart Wine Show 2019 | Bronze
Decanter World Wine Awards 2018 | Bronze