McHenry Hohnen, Calgardup Brook Vineyard Chardonnay 2019

Calgardup Brook Vineyard Chardonnay, McHenry Hohnen 2019 (Single Vineyard)

Margaret River, Australia

Grape Variety: Chardonnay

Alcohol: 13.3% ABV

The Story

Biodynamic farming, minimal intervention winemaking, single vineyard wines of Margaret River.

Since its inception McHenry Hohnen has had an unwavering focus on crafting site expressive wines. As the vines age and the soils continue to evolve, the individuality and beauty of the land continually develop in our wines.

The wines of McHenry Hohnen are sourced from the family estate consisting of three vineyards, all located in the southern part of the Margaret River Wine Region: Hazel’s Vineyard and Farm, Calgardup Brook Vineyard and Burnside Vineyard. For decades, founder and owner Murray McHenry has been a leading proponent in pushing the viticultural boundaries of this pristine region. While the portfolio is grounded in Chardonnay and Bordeaux varieties, McHenry Hohnen are also well regarded for less traditional varieties for this region such as Marsanne, Roussanne, Grenache, Mataro and Zinfandel.

McHenry Hohnen see their role as stewards of the land and have implemented organic farming practices for many years to create the optimal conditions for soil health and the quality of the grapes harvested. The winemaking team craft wines that pay homage to the site of origin and use low impact techniques combined with an acute attention to detail to achieve the goal of the finest site specific wines.

Whilst the story of McHenry Hohnen is steeped in the history of the region, we look to the future with anticipation as our soil, vines and wines continue to evolve.

Vineyard & Winemaking

100% Calgardup Brook. This vineyard lies just inland from the coast. Its sandy, schisty soils are well weathered. These chardonnay vines run east-west with a slightly sloping northern aspect.

Hand-picked, whole bunch pressed and transferred directly to oak with full solids. Fermented by the native years in barrique (approximately 30% new). Post ferment, barrels are left cool but unsulphured for 4 months to encourage autolytic activity. Batonnage every two weeks based on flavour and partial MLF to balance the high natural acidity of
this vintage. Wine was racked with full lees to tank in December and spent two months on lees in tank before bottling in February 2020.

Tasting Notes:

The nose opens with notes of sea spray, crushed shells, frangipani and delicate spiced pears. Wild fermentation with full solids provides flinty complexity and extended time on lees adds intrigue and excellent length to the palate. A distinctive saline acidity and attractive chalk-like structure complement the mineral nature of this unique Southern
Margaret River vineyard near right by the Indian Ocean. 

Cellaring & Service

Cellaring Potential: 10-15 years

Serving Temperature: 12–14°C

Allergens: This wine contains sulphites