FIELD OF MARS - Single Vineyard Range
Field of Mars Block 4 Chardonnay 2023
Variety: 100% Chardonnay
Region: Pokolbin, Hunter Valley
Vineyard: Field of Mars Vineyard
Vine Age: Vines planted in 2014
Soils: Fine, sandy alluvial
Tasting Note
In 2014 we established this Block 4 on a tiny patch of fine alluvial sand, planting Chardonnay Clone 548 on rootstock Paulson 1103. The vines are close planted to twice the normal vine number per hectare, so this vineyard is ultra-low yielding and produces high-quality wines that are powerful and complex.
The aromatic layered fruit spectrum runs from golden to white peach, honey-nectarine, and tangy pineapple with whisps of orange musk-melon giving a deeper and sweeter bouquet.
Soft leesy notes of creamy lemon-yogurt combine with fine barrel perfumes of cashew-nut. Fine sulphite-perfumes of gun flint and oyster shell amplify with breathing, combining to deliver a powerful yet refined fragrance.
The striking feature of this wine is the elaborate palate expression, concentration, complexity and superb length. Juicy golden orchard stone-fruits, nectarine and peach with glossy textures, musk melon and candied citrus combine to add a classy flavour softness and richness. As with the bouquet, reductive-accents of pistachio nougat take on extra savoury hints of sea-shell. The satin-soft mouthfeel is completed with fine French oak, cradling the opulent fruit core. A vibrant line of acidity keeps everything steady and fresh, guiding this wine for a long future, with ideal cellaring of 5 to 7 years.
Drink: now – 2033
95pts The Real Review
97 pts Halliday Wine Companion.... ‘Fabulous depth, marvellous texture, and a finish that is expansive, persistent and memorable’.
