Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay

Growing Region: Margaret River, Western Australia

Senior Winemaker: Ross Pamment

TASTING NOTE:
Houghton has been proudly producing food-friendly wines for over 175 years. This 2012 Houghton Chardonnay is part of a range featuring 'classic varietals' with good structure, finesse and elegance found in the Margaret River region.

The fruit for this classic regional Chardonnay were sourced from premium vineyards in the Margaret River region. The 2012 vintage provided Chardonnay with honest varietal characters and bright natural acidity. The individual parcels were picked and fermented separately in a combination of stainless steel tanks and French oak barrels with selected yeasts and at cool temperatures to retain the varietals fresh aromatics. Typically this style has extended time on its own yeast lees prior to tasting and blending, to give further complexity, texture and breadth to the palate.

In the glass you have a bright straw yellow colour. On the nose you will be greeted by intense aromatics of citrus fruits, along with ripe peach characters. You will also notice secondary notes of cashew nuts and subtle hints of vanilla derived from fermentation in French oak and the extended contact on lees. The palate is fruit forward and mouth-filling, expressing those citrus and stone-fruit flavours, all complemented by integrated notes of vanilla and toast from the maturation in French oak. The palate is fine with good structured, great persistence of flavours and a lingering finish. Chill and serve at 8-10C.

CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Drinking perfectly well this summer season; and will develop further over the next 2 years.

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:
Perfect wine pairing with grilled white meats, fish pie and aged creamy cheeses, enjoy.

A classic style Chardonnay from Margaret River.