Tiers Chardonnay

Petaluma Tiers Chardonnay is sourced from the oldest Chardonnay plantings in the Adelaide Hills: the Tiers Vineyard, planted in the Piccadilly Valley in 1979.

The Piccadilly Valley is typically known for its very cool climate. Yet the Tiers Vineyard is the lowest and warmest site in the area. The viticultural paradox of 'cool location, warm site' ensures the grapes ripen fully.

Only tiny portions of Tiers Vineyard fruit are selected for this single vineyard bottling. The grapes are destemmed, crushed and air bag pressed, with the free run juice cold settled. A chosen yeast strain conducts the ferment in new French oak.

As sugar dryness nears, the wine is inoculated for malolactic fermentation. After around 10 months ageing on lees, the best barrels are blended, lightly fined and filtered to bottle.

Golden straw in colour, Petaluma Tiers Chardonnay is full flavoured with rich stone fruit notes complemented by spicy, nutty oak on the finish. Mineral acidity provides balance.

A distinguished Adelaide Hills Chardonnay. Cellaring potential is 10 years.