In 2003, the Croser family removed 1.3 hectares of the original Tiers Vineyard Chardonnay that was planted in 1979 in the Piccadilly Valley as the first Adelaide Hills vineyard. The area was replanted with the French Bernard clones 76 and 95 on rootstocks, on very close 1.5 metre row spacing with the fruiting wire at only 0.5 metres above the ground. This unique vineyard section produces earlier ripening, fuller flavoured Chardonnay than the old vine Chardonnay on its own roots, across the centre road in Tiers Vineyard.
Brilliant pale straw colour with green-toned edges and a watery hue. Refined yet amplified in their intensity are aromas of white peach and nectarine, which are married to roasted almond, biscuity nougat and gun flint notes. Rich, concentrated and texturally voluminous yet showing impressive freshness, the mid-weighted palate is graced with nectarine, white peach, dried honey and biscuity oak flavours. Infusions of mineral flint, citrusy nougat and almond sit in the background. Lively yet perfectly balanced acidity with a long, flinty-edged finish that picks up a gentle creaminess texture-wise.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
96 Points