Animale Chardonnay 2025

The wine comes from the Yarra Station Vineyard in the Yarra Glen sub-region, from fruit planted on ironstone rich, grey clay loams atop a southwest facing slope. After a strong flowering season, warm spring and dry December, yields were balanced. The grapes were harvested early to maintain the good freshness and acidity lended by a more involved process of canopy management. Gentle pressing of whole bunches was completed the morning after picking, producing pristine and slightly cloudy juice. After one night of settling in tank, the juice was racked to old French barrels and hogsheads, leaving the heavy lees behind.