2018 Punch Lance’s Vineyard, Chardonnay, Yarra Valley

James and Claire are the creators of Punch, making a mark since 2005. But before Punch, James was making wines at his family vineyards for over 25 years. The story dates back to 1975 when Catherine and David Lance were looking for a sweet spot in the Yarra Valley where they could plant some vines. They found 20 acres of sloping land in the hamlet of St Andrews, inevitably the soils were poor, thin & riddled with rock. However, with some elevation to perfectly capture sunlight, and the search was over! The family began planting vines in 1976 and from there it was a new beginning when James took over after his parents’ retirement. They have an organic approach, all work in the vineyard is done by hand, including pruning and harvesting, all fermented with natural yeasts, slow elevage in barrel and no fining or filtration. Why do we like it? This Chardonnay is top! From old vines, planted in 1977, all estate bottled in a very limited production of 3880 bottles for all year. Whole-bunch pressed directly to barrel, wild-yeast ferment, 10 months on lees in French oak. Aroma wise, notes of peach and apricot, ripe citrus and a fine sense of toasty oak. Beautifully balanced with plenty freshness on the palate. This wine can be drunk now, but it has potential for further ageing. It will show magnificently in another year or so.   Grape           Chardonnay  Country        Australia                                Region          Yarra Valley                               Vintage         2018