2021, Chardonnay
Cloudburst

Australia’s leading cult wine was created by American biologist Will Berliner, on the wild and isolated southwestern corner of Australia in a biodiversity paradise.

The one-hectare vineyard was planted in 2005, and has never been cultivated nor chemically sprayed. It is close-planted, own-rooted and non-irrigated, and has been farmed using biodynamic principles from inception. The vineyard benefits from the presence of well-drained ironstone gravel soils, and a supremely untainted natural environment within sound of the Indian Ocean.

Speaking of the Cloudburst ethos, owner and vigneron Will says “Our practice of
careful observation begins in the vineyard and continues in the winery. We work with nature and offer only minimal interference in natural processes. The whole farm is an integrated, living system, with its foundation in the soil. It is an exceptionally isolated and pristine place, unmarred in any way. The grapes have nothing standing in the way of their full expression.”

As Phylloxera is not a threat in the region, Cloudburst vines are planted on their own rootstocks, accentuating both the varietal expression and sense of place. Planted with Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and a tiny amount of Malbec, Will hand tends the vines, as well as hand weeds - never using chemicals or machines. The vineyard has never been irrigated, it’s entirely dry grown and is neither cultivated nor tilled. Trellising utilises vertical shoot positioning with a very low cordon. All of the estate work is not only done by hand, but largely by Will alone - embodying artisanal focus, true craftsmanship and the estate’s deserved cult status and reputation.

Winemaking
Cloudburst Chardonnay is hand harvested and sorted in small batches and fermented as microcuvées. Grapes are whole bunch pressed directly into barrel without mixing or settling. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentation occur naturally. Once secondary fermentation is complete, the barrels are minimally sulphured. There is some lees-stirring during fermentation, but not obsessive.

Tasting Notes
 

"The balance and depth to this is fantastic! Medium to full body with a density and phenolic tension that is wonderfully integrated and creates a harmonious and rather sophisticated palate. Some salted caramel to the cooked apple and light mango flavors. It’s stays with you but it’s the center palate that impresses. Creamy texture. Drink or hold. Screw cap."

- James Suckling, 97 points