Vintus

M3 Chardonnay, Adelaide Hills

The Adelaide Hills now produces some of Australia’s finest and most sought after Chardonnay. These are sophisticated, elegant with fine fruit character, and restrained oak. M3 Chardonnay is made exclusively from grapes grown on Shaw + Smith’s M3 vineyard at Woodside, planted in 1995. The grapes are hand-picked and whole-fruit pressed prior to undergoing barrel fermentation and maturation in French oak. Extended time on the lees with regular batonnage and partial malolactic fermentation imparts greater complexity and flavor.

• 2009 Vintage

  The 2009 growing season in the Adelaide Hills began with a cool spring, which resulted in a relatively small but high quality crop. A short burst of heat in late January had little impact as it occurred 5-6 weeks before harvest, and the autumn weather leading up to picking was cool and dry, which resulted in excellent flavor development and wines of freshness and elegance.

  • "Distinctly spicy, with nutmeg and clove overtones to the pear and grapefruit flavors, weaving in walnut and filbert notes as the finish lingers impressively. Drink now through 2020." 92 Points Wine Spectator

  • "The 2008 M3 Chardonnay presents quite a floral nose with notes of orange and peach blossom over butterscotch, ripe pears and apricots. Crisp and very tight on the palate, it provides an abundance of toasty oatmeal and ripe stone fruits flavors going long and creamy in the finish with just a suggestion of mineral." 91+ Points Wine Advocate

• 2006 Vintage

  In 2006 wet, windy conditions during Spring lead to poor flowering and in turn reduced crops. Other than 3-4 days of hot weather in late December, the all important months for flavor development and acid retention of February and March were very mild; exceptional flavors and high natural acidity resulted. This sophisticated wine with pure fruit character and restrained oak is elegant, and will be long living.

  • “The 2006 Chardonnay “M3 Vineyard” is medium straw-colored. It offers up notes of toast, honeysuckle, white peach, and pear. Made in an elegant, restrained style, the wine is nicely balanced and should evolve for several years.” 91 Points Wine Advocate