The 2025 Kalgan River Chardonnay is a vibrant and finely tuned expression of cool-climate winemaking, showcasing purity of fruit, precision craftsmanship, and natural balance.
From the first pour, the wine is bright and expressive. Lively citrus aromas lead the way, with vibrant grapefruit and delicate citrus blossom lifted by layers of white nectarine. A subtle thread of toasty French oak adds gentle warmth and complexity without overpowering the fruit. On the palate, the wine is bright and beautifully balanced, its natural acidity driving freshness and energy. The finish is long and mineral, leaving a clean, precise impression that lingers.
The winemaking approach was carefully designed to preserve this vibrancy and textural finesse. After gentle pressing, the juice was cold-settled for 48 hours to achieve clarity. It was then racked with fine, fluffy lees and inoculated in tank before being transferred to barrel to complete fermentation. Following ferment, the wine underwent gentle weekly bâtonnage, building texture and seamlessly integrating oak, lees, and fruit components. Malolactic fermentation was not encouraged, ensuring the wine retained its vibrant natural acidity and bright structural line. After maturation, the wine was blended, fined, and filtered prior to bottling.
With a pH of 2.95, total acidity of 7.15, and alcohol at 12.5% ABV, this Chardonnay strikes a compelling balance between elegance and energy.
The result is a modern, mineral-driven Chardonnay that speaks confidently of its vintage — lively, refined, and beautifully structured.