Apsley Gorge Chardonnay 2023

Apsley Gorge Chardonnay 2023 reflects the exceptional terroir of the Apsley Valley in Tasmania, a region renowned for its cool climate and unique microclimate that promotes slow, even ripening of fruit. Planted by former abalone diver and lobster fisherman Brian Franklin in the early 1990s, the vineyard has flourished on the estate’s 7-hectare site with low yields and non-irrigated vines, ensuring the stability and intensity of the fruit. Brian, who honed his winemaking skills in Burgundy, has shaped Apsley Gorge wines to reflect a balance of tradition and innovation. His deep connection to the land, coupled with his expertise in French winemaking, has resulted in a Chardonnay that is rich, vibrant, and remarkably elegant.

The 2023 vintage, a product of a cooler and more challenging growing season, showcases Brian's careful stewardship of the vineyard. With minimal yields and a focus on balance, the resulting wine exhibits a remarkable freshness and depth of flavour. The Chardonnay reveals subtle fruit characters with a fine, well-integrated oak influence, offering complexity and finesse. Apsley Gorge Chardonnay 2023 is both vibrant and textured, with a backbone of natural acidity that will allow it to age gracefully over the next 5-10 years.