Hughes And Hughes Chardonnay 2022

Brothers Matthew and Jonathan Hughes established Mewstone Vineyard in 2011 on the banks of Tasmania’s D’Entrecasteaux Channel in the tiny hamlet of Flowerpot. The small, boutique vineyard is a former cherry orchard and with some new plantings this year will expand to an ultimate size of just 3.5 hectares. The original plantings consist mostly of Pinot Noir with small plantings of Chardonnay, Syrah, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc. Jonny studied winemaking at Lincoln University in New Zealand before gaining further experience in regions as diverse and far-flung as Langhorne Creek, Central Otago, Mornington Peninsula, Barolo, the Hunter Valley and the Okanagan Valley. Back in Tasmania, he was the Assistant Winemaker at Moorilla for seven years, before moving on to a similar role at Pooley Wines in 2016, where the Mewstone and Hughes & Hughes wines are currently made. Fruit from vineyards in the Coal River (Roslyn and Clarence House) and Derwent Valleys (Kinvarra). 70% whole bunch pressed, 30% cold-soaked on skins for five days, all naturally fermented in oak (15% new). Partial malolactic fermentation while maturing on lees for five months. Bottled unfined and filtered. White stone fruit overlaying citrus and gentle oak aromas. Racy acidity balanced by rich textures, classic Chardonnay.