2024 Patrick Sullivan 'Bull Swamp' Chardonnay, Gippsland, Australia

2024 Patrick Sullivan 'Bull Swamp' Chardonnay, Gippsland, Australia

$82.99

A bit warmer and more ample than Patrick’s other single vineyards, according to him: “more of a party vibe.”

Site(s): Bull Swamp Vineyard, Baw Baw Shire Vintage notes: The 2024 growing season in Baw Baw Shire was exceptional, with plentiful rainfall followed by ideal sunshine, creating the perfect conditions for ripening. Characteristic low yields and mature vines resulted in wines with exceptional concentration, body and complexity, showcasing vibrant acidity and minerality. Yields were down compared to past years, however the 2024 wines are a standout expression of the Patrick Sullivan style, marked by intensity, elegance and refinement. 

Vineyard notes: Bull Swamp vineyard is farmed following biodynamic principals, tailored to this specific site and the Gippsland climate. Vines were planted in 1982 by the Farrington family on the very edge of the Warragul township. All vines are cane pruned, no tillage. The Bullswamp Chardonnay comes from the oldest plantings of the P58 clone. Completely dry-grown on volcanic soils. The warmest single vineyard site of Patrick’s, sitting at 100m above sea level with steep northern exposure.

Winemaking: The fruit is hand harvested into 15kg baskets and transferred to the winery. Whole cluster crushed into the press and drained off into tank for settling. Wild primary fermentation takes place in barrique (30% new) over 3 weeks followed by full malolactic fermentation. Lees stirring occurs twice towards the end of primary ferment then once more at the completion of malolactic. The wine is then aged in barrique for eleven months.

ABV: 13.8%

Tasting notes: A nuanced and subtle chardonnay that presents place more than any particular winemaking slant. Aromatics of toasted hazelnut, yellow pear, melon, finger lime, salted rock, and lemon aspen (a floral native citrus). Delicate and intricately-knit palate, persistent and balanced acid, with pleasantly plump fruit weight. 

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