Pooley Butcher’s Hill Chardonnay 2019 1.5L

Pooley Wines was established in 1985 when the late Denis and Margaret Pooley planted ten rows of Riesling and seven rows of Pinot Noir on their 16-hectare farm at Cooinda Vale in the Coal River Valley in southern Tasmania.

The Butchers Hill Vineyard located in Richmond at the historic Belmont Lodge was established in 2003. The vineyard is a prominent feature to the Richmond landscape as it protrudes from the borders of the town. The steep north facing slope of this site starting from 30m-100m above sea level means that it receives some very long sunlight hours, protection from cold southern winds and increased drainage of soils. The ferricrete attribute of the soils not only hold heat and water longer as they are darker but the iron oxide also interacts with the production of flavonoids in the fruit and typically produces wines that are complex and robust. There are currently 6ha of vine planted on this property in total.

A single vineyard Chardonnay from the Belmont vineyard at Richmond, adjacent to the cellar door. Hand picked, whole bunched pressed to tank. Cold settled for 1 day then racked to barrel. 100% barrel ferment. Mixture of puncheons (500 litre) and barriques (225 litre). 40% new oak. No stirring. Malolactic 75% complete. Maturation for 9 months in barrel.

2019 Pooley Butcher’s Hill Chardonnay, won maximum points from Caillard, who wrote: “Fresh flinty grapefruit, nectarine, tonic water aromas with chamomile star anise notes. Classically proportioned palate with plentiful melon flavours and fine lacy textures. Underlying nutty, toasty, yeasty notes and fresh persistent crisp acidity. Very good density, definition and vinosity. A reference style highlighting meticulous attention to detail.” Without the day of breathing for Caillard, I found the nose reticent, but the wine came alive on the palate, with powerful flavours that seemed to accelerate to the finish. - Gourmet Traveller Wine, December 2021

The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Chardonnay
Country - Australia
Region - Coal River Valley, Tasmania
Vintage - 2019
Bottle Size - 1.5L Magnum
ABV - 13.5%