Eastern Peake Intrinsic Chardonnay 2020

The Eastern Peake Vineyard was established in 1983, the first plantings being 8 acres of Pinot Noir followed by 4 acres of Chardonnay in 1991. In 1994 the decision was made to establish a winery and cellar door facility at Coghill's Creek. The winery was completed in time for the 1995 vintage. Eastern Peake is positioned at 430 metres above sea level, which is relatively high within Australian vineyards. The vineyard is a flat relief between fertile undulations. The site was originally selected for a vineyard by the late Trevor Mast (most famous for Mt Langi Ghiran). The soil is duplex in nature with clay loam basalt overlying a subsoil of clay and fine iron stone. The cool climate is ideal for producing high quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The vines are caned pruned and trellised and vertical shoot positioning is utilised to maximise the exposure of the fruit to sunlight. Disease pressures are normally low due to the relatively dry growing season, which allows the use of organic pesticide sprays Supplementary irrigation is carried out and cropping levels are kept below 2 tonne to the acre for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Picking is carried out by hand usually at the end of April, although in difficult vintages it can be mid May before picking is completed. Extensive use of bird netting ensures that the fruit can be harvested when the flavour profile and balance of acid and sugar levels have reached their optimum levels.

- Winery Note