FIELD OF MARS - Single Vineyard Range
Field of Mars Block 4 Chardonnay 2022
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 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.
Aromas are instantly engaging delivering powerful golden Summer stone fruits, plus beautiful sulphite rich scents of gunsmoke and oyster shell. The bouquet develops into an exotic mélange of fruit and flower, with hints of musk, pineapple, ozone and sea spray adding flair and substance. Finer aromas of marzipan and pistachio are there as well, with very elegant hints of cashew and vanilla, combining to deliver superb harmony of fruit.
The powerful fruit core gives terrific presence and length, opening with the glorious flavours of golden peach and white nectarine switching softly to gentle savoury notes of brown fig and soft yellow apple.
As these mainstay flavours open out, the palate reveals extra dimensions of soft velvety texture, closing with gentle French oak hints of amaretti-biscuit and nougat. Fine acidity brings the palate to an elegant yet soft finish with a tangy sea-spray salinity.
This wonderful and complex Chardonnay will be a challenge to keep. Ideal cellaring is from 2 to 6 years.
Drink: now – 2030
96 points Halliday Wine Companion
95 points The Real Review
Limited Edition - only 68 dozen made
Technical Data
Alcohol: 12.2
pH: 3.25
TA: 7.5