Dandelion Vineyards, Twilight of the Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2008

BACKGROUND
Dandelion Vineyards are proven plantings that have stood the test of time. Our wish is to nurture the unique character of these vineyards and express their terroir in our wines. To capture variety, vintage and vineyard requires and enlightened approach. “When I see a weed I see the Devil is an old grower's mantra, but we encourage the humble Dandelion amongst the vines as they suppress winter weeds, provide mulch in summer, and their Wishing Clocks to blow off in Spring.”

Dandelion Vineyards is a unique fusion of vineyards and vignerons. Our wines represent decades of experience, blending the fruit of our heirloom vineyards with the finest traditions of artisan winemaking. The Lionheart of Dandelion Vineyards is our old vine Barossa vineyard. From these ancient, gnarled vines, many over a hundred years of age, are not only surviving but thriving on their own roots in some of the oldest soils on the planet.

WINEMAKING
Whole bunches from our best Chardonnay Vineyard in the heart of the Adelaide Hills were hand selected and picked on the 29th March, in the twilight, our Chardonnay’s acid sunrise, being the cool of early evening, then destemmed in small batches without crushing the fruit to fill our press exactly.

The free run juice was then fermented in small stainless steel tank between 12 and 14 degrees Celsius and then finished fermentation in some new and first use French Oak Barriques. This Twillight of the Adelaide Hills has a high level of natural acidity, (7.0 grams per litre) a pH of 3.17 and although bone dry and alcohol of only 13.5%. 1022 cases only of 2008 Twilight of the Adelaide Hills Chardonnay were immediately bottled after twelve months without fining or filtration to capture the essence of the vineyard and it is ready to drink immediately or cellar for up to a decade.

AWARDS

GOLD MEDAL - HIGHLY COMMENDED
2010 Sydney International Top 100 Wine Competition - 2008 Twilight of the Adelaide Hills Chardonnay

REVIEWS
2008 Twilight of the Adelaide Hills Chardonnay
Score:

$$$$
Review by: Fergus McGhie , Canberra Times

2008 Twilight of the Adelaide Hills Chardonnay
Score: Best Buy Wines - Under $30
Review by: Peter Forrestal , Gourmet Traveller WINE

2008 Twilight of the Adelaide Hills Chardonnay
Score: 94 POINTS

Review by: James Halliday , Australian Wine Companion 2010 Edition

2008 Twilight of the Adelaide Hills Chardonnay
Review by: Peter Forrestal , Quaff 2011

TASTING NOTES
Vibrant pale straw with a golden tinge. Twilight Chardonnay captures the expression of the Adelaide Hills terroir with layers of citrus, guava, apple and pineapple character. Hints of brioche, hazelnut and mineral weave through the lush fruit flavors. Vibrant palate of generous white peach and citrus fruits entwined with cashew and vanilla bean. The palate is full and rich with the Chardonnay's natural acidity whilst the finish is intermingled with the accents of oak.

Other Vintages
2009 | 2010 | 2012 |

DRINK
With a zesty nose, three dimensional and refreshing palate, this wine is delicious either served moderately chilled with a second glass, second bottle even as an aperitif, or with seafood.

WINEMAKER
Elena Brooks BSc (Oneology) Adelaide

SPECIFICS
Alcohol: 13.5%
TA: 7.0g/L
pH: 3.17
RS: 3.5g/L

Latitude 34°54’37” South
Longitude 138°53’49” East
Altitude 1360 Feet = 414 Metres

View Dandelion Vineyards in a larger map

Wish you were here. Carl Lindner & Brad Rey, Vignerons, Zar Brooks, Typist, Elena Brooks, Winemaker