White Label French Oak Chardonnay 2018

The moderate summer and temperate autumn were ideal for producing quality Chardonnay fruit. We selected fruit from our Homestead and Johnston Road blocks, plus fourth generation growers on McMurtrie Road and Badgers Road near Kuitpo in the Adelaide Hills. The cool climate Adelaide Hills Fruit complemented the richer McLaren Vale component. Each vineyard was picked at differing Baume levels to guarantee a spectrum of flavours. A portion of each vineyard was barrel fermented in new Tonnellerie Quintessence French Oak, using 7 different yeast strains, including Wild Yeast. The complex nose displays nutty smoky oak, melon, peach and citrus aromas, with a hint of apple. With the palate delivering peacharine, grapefruit, smoky almond, rockmelon and tinges of mandarin and cashew. A multifaceted, textured wine with fruit, oak and natural acidity in harmony, finishing with great length of flavour. Approachable now or will reward short term cellaring.

94 Points Wine Orbit, SILVER Medal AWC Vienna International Wine Challenge 2020, GOLD Medal AWC Vienna Wine Challenge 2019

Now in the capable hands of Geoff Johnston, a winemaking graduate of Charles Sturt University and grandson of the winery’s founder, Pirramimma has seen many significant changes, including the construction of a 3100m² naturally cooled rammed earth barrel storage facility and the expansion of vineyards to 240 acres and 13 varieties. Known as a “Professor of Soil”, he has also spent over 25 years converting Pirramimma’s sterile land into a living organism, as well as reducing the winery’s ecological footprint through various projects including solar systems, dams and even a wine turbine. As a winemaker, Geoff has a worldly perspective. After a study trip to France his interest for the Bordeaux grape variety, Petit Verdot was developed. Geoff planted a small trial area of the grape in 1983, which has since expanded to 35 acres of mature vines. Pirramimma Petit Verdot vintages have been awarded internationally multiple times with European wine magazine WeinWisser asking… ‘is there any better Petit Verdot in the world?’ Geoff not only pioneered Petit Verdot in Australia, he was the first to introduce the Southern French variety Tannat to McLaren Vale. In 2021, Geoff celebrated his 50th vintage – a fitting half century for the accomplished cricketer and dogged batsman.