Paxton Vineyards Chardonnay, McLaren Vale

Description

Paxton Vineyards was formed in 1979 by Viticulturalist David Paxton, it is a family-owned business located in the McLaren Vale on the Fleuriel Peninsula. The McLaren Vale is renowned for the production of super premium quality wines – particularly red wines. In 2000 Paxton released their first wine, the 1998 Shiraz. Today, under the direction and guidance of Michael Paxton – David’s son and Paxton winemaker – Paxton produces seven estate grown wines under the family label. Paxton’s vineyards are spread across a wide range of sites and soil types and are managed by Senior Viticulturalist Toby Bekkers. All of the vineyards are managed using biodynamic principals (and are classified as organic as well) – a system of farming without the use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides with a focus on promoting healthy, living soils through the use of natural compost preparations. Paxton Vineyards is also a member of One Percent For The Planet. 100% Chardonnay from Paxton’s “Thomas” Block (named after the previous owners, who incidentally, are the grand-parents of South Australian astronaut Andy Thomas). Grapes for the Paxton Vineyards Chardonnay are harvested by hand and, after vinification, are put into French oak barriques (225L) for fermentation. 30% new, 30% 2nd use and the balance in older oak. After a cool fermentation the yeast lees that settled in the barrels were stirred every 2 weeks to increase complexity and mouth feel, this continued for 9 months prior to blending, stabilizing and bottling. To enhance complexity and interest, some naturally fermented barrels and other non typical wine yeast were trialed and included in the blend.