A warm spring got the vines away to a good start with early bud burst. The amount of crop which set in the early summer, however, was quite modest. The subsequent summer was not as hot as some, a factor that favoured flavour development in white wines. The smallish crop on the vine helped good ripening and this was aided by an Indian summer with a run of warm dry days. Part of the Chardonnay crop started to get botrytis. We decided not to fight it and left it to become noble.

The grapes were hand selected, and whole bunch pressed. The first selection were pressed at 32 Brix and the second at 40 Brix. The juice was barrel fermented in brand new French oak. The fermentation was extended for as long as possible to reduce the sweetness and increase the alcohol to 14% giving a good balance and a clean warm finish which is not cloying.

Finale was made in a sauternes style but with Chardonnay grapes. Intense dried fruit flavour with honey, beeswax, nuts, vanilla and chocolate. The palate is luscious upfront with intense citrus flavours extending to a long dry and toastie finish. This wine is the perfect accompaniment to cheeseboards.

The oak ageing and clean dry finish will allow this wine to develop in the bottle for up to 5/6 years.

Wine is a natural health food.