Kooyong Clonale Chardonnay 2024

The Kooyong vineyard is located on the Mornington Peninsula at Tuerong, on Miocene sedimentary soils. Their wines are made from domain grown, handpicked grapes and aim to manifest terroir: the integration of their geology and soils with the macroclimate of their region, the mesoclimates of the various sites within their vineyard and the weather of the annual grape growing season. Kooyongs cultural operations in the vineyard and practices in the winery endeavour to articulate these unique characteristics diligently, respectfully and without artifice.

This is a blend of fruit from estate vineyards in Tuerong and Balnarring on the cool Mornington Peninsula. The fruit was gently whole-bunch pressed directly into a mixture of French oak barriques and puncheons (of which 12% were new), where fermentation commenced spontaneously with ambient yeasts. Following fermentation, the wine was aged on lees for nine months. The wine was bottled without fining and with minimal filtration.

The bouquet opens with aromas of grapefruit, fresh pear, and white nectarine skin. These fresh fruit notes are complemented by almond meal, nougat, and a hint of fresh cream, bringing added depth. Subtle accents of gunflint and delicate oak spice linger in the background. The palate is vibrant and textured, featuring a blend of grapefruit and lime citrus flavours that transition into juicy white stone fruits. Lees contact contributes a creamy texture while nuanced phenolic grip enhances complexity. A bright, focused acidity provides structure and balance, leading to a crisp and refreshing finish

Here we go. This is Tim Perrin’s first vintage, and I like the cut of his jib. Riper. Less worked. Melon and stone fruit, lime, some spice and nougat, maybe even some fennel perfume. It’s glossy, but has bright grapefruit  acidity, a slight flintiness to texture, plenty of flavour, lemon oil, with some creamy cashew and spice, something just a little bit savoury/umami, and a finish of excellent length. It’s a lovely expression of Chardonnay that drinks so well. It’s the best release of Clonale in many years. I’m touch and go for 94 points. - Gary Walsh, The Wine front, 93 Points.

Pretty aromas of melon, nectarine, white flowers and grapefruit pith. Mouth-filling, textured and creamy on the palate. All white stone fruit, nutty oak and pithy acidity. There’s a decent drive of phenolic grip and the length is impressive. - The Real Review, 93 Points.

The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Chardonnay
Country - Australia
Region - Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
Vintage - 2024
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13%