2009 MadFish Sideways Chardonnay Tasting Notes

The 2009 vintage has been a challenging but ultimately rewarding vintage. A dry winter was followed by a cold and wet spring, just as flowering was in full swing. Thus grape yields were down and disease pressure was increased. However the ripening season was moderately warm, dry and even; perfect for ripening grapes with great natural acidity and fresh tight fruit flavours.

The blend for the first Sideways Chardonnay is typical Margaret River. Chardonnay from the Yallingup and Karridale subregions was harvested between February and March with great natural acidity and fine melon and citrus fruit flavours.

The Sideways Chardonnay was barrel fermented using wild yeasts in mostly second and third use French oak barriques. The wine was aged on lees for 8 months with no malolactic fermentation prior to blending.

The 2009 Sideways Chardonnay has typical Margaret River regionality. Light straw in colour the aromatics are melons and fresh fig, with some grapefruit, roasted nuts and matchstick complexity. A medium to full-bodied chardonnay palate has texture and creaminess but finishes tight and cleansing due to the natural acid backbone of the 2009 vintage.

Great to drink now, this wine will improve for 3-4 years and drink well for 5-6 years.