The 2005 season provided cooler spring weather resulting in smaller than average yields due to the lower fruit set.   The summer and early autumn weather was warm and dry, and ideal for ripening the grapes.

The 2005 Vavasour Chardonnay was produced from low yielding hand picked grapes.   This wine is made from Clone 95 (60%), and Mendoza (40%).  The Mendoza adds richness to the elegant Clone 95.

After handpicking the fruit was whole bunch pressed and fermented in French oak barriques with indigenous yeast.  The wine was left in oak for 9 months and the lees stirred weekly to add texture and flavour.

The 2005 Vavasour Chardonnay is an elegant, complex wine showing stone fruit and mealy notes on the nose.  The rich, silky textured palate exhibits the same fine flavours with a long citrus finish.

This wine can be enjoyed now and over the next 2 to 3 years.