2020 Tribute "Dame Nellie Melba" Blanc de Blancs

THE WINE
This 2020 Nellie Melba Blanc de Blancs shows an elegance and finesse.  Distinctly varietal, with Chardonnay aromatics of delicate white blossom and white stone fruit, with oyster shell and lanolin.  A palate of white and yellow stone fruit, fine minerality and texture is tightened by a fine bead.  A medium weighted palate flows into a lingering finish.

THE VINTAGE
Vintage 2020 conditions were mild to warm. Winter was dry, with mild conditions in spring with good rains aiding in staving off the risk of frost. The conditions leading up to harvest were generally mild with some hot days with significantly above average rainfall. Conditions at flowering were challenging with cool windy weather resulting in below average fruit set. This in turn lead to lighter crops on average.

VITICULTURE + WINEMAKING
This acclaimed Blanc de Blancs was produced in the traditional bottle fermentation method from our block C, estate grown Chardonnay. Following secondary fermentation, the wine was aged on lees in bottle for a period of 48 months. Dosage was kept to a minimum at 6.5g/L to allow the wine to maintain its distinctive fresh, dry style.

FOOD MATCH
Scallop carpaccio with ginger and lemongrass dressing.

TECHNICAL DETAILS
Varietal composition: 100% Chardonnay
Alcohol: 12.3%
TA: 7.7
pH: 3.03
Cellaring: now - 2028