The Clone 95 of Chardonnay was certified in 1971 hailing from the Côte-d’Or in Burgundy, France. It is appreciated for its regularity of production, its agronomic characteristics and the quality of the wines obtained. It displays fine aromas, a rich and balanced structure with good sugar levels and restrained acidity which is useful in the UK. The St. Mary's vineyard is located in the hills north of Brighton on chalky soils.
Winemaking:
This wine was naturally fermented in stainless steel at cool temperatures (15-18 degrees) for four months. The wine then spends 12 months ageing on its heavy lees to add a reductive flinty note. The wine completed full malolactic conversion during its long ageing. The wine is then racked off its lees and bottled with very light filtration. Minimal sulphur was used at pressing and bottling.
Tasting note:
The wine is lifted and complex, with aromatic notes of chamomile, saffron, lemon peel and fresh grapefruit, botanicals and green almond and flinty note. The palate is dry, with a chalky acidity, balanced but lively with a layered and long finish.
