Personalised Ashbrook Estate Margaret River Chardonnay 2025 14% 750ml

Personalised Ashbrook Estate Margaret River Chardonnay 2025 14% 750ml

2025 VINTAGE
2024 winter rainfall was delayed until May 29th but finished strongly with a record
259mm in August, replenishing soil moisture and setting vines up well for the growing
season. Moderate spring temperatures and 123.6mm of rainfall assisted the transition
into summer with healthy canopies carrying decent yields. The summer months saw
average daily temperatures in the mid to high twenties consistently accompanied by
afternoon sea breezes. This long, even growing season allowed fruit to develop steadily,
preserving acidity and freshness. Our biggest challenge this season was bird pressure.
After an abundant Marri tree blossom in the summer of 2024, it fell absent this year.
Netting was imperative to keep the Silvereye birds and other local wildlife at bay. Vintage
47 began on February 14th with Verdelho, followed by Riesling on the 15th and then
Chardonnay not until the 19th due to crop size and a slower early ripening period. Leading
into the red harvest, conditions remained ideal with classic, cool autumnal nights and
mild to warm, sunny days. Our last Petit Verdot and Cabernet grapes were safely in the
winery by March 25th before any real rainfall. In summary, thanks to a wet winter,
beautifully moderate, dry growing season and harvest, the 2025 vintage is shaping up to
be exceptional. Wines across the board are showing a balance of fruit purity, tannin
ripeness and natural acidity reminiscent of 2018, albeit in less quantities.

VINEYARD
The “Old Chardonnay” Gin-Gin clone cuttings were collected from the Agricultural
Department ‘Source Block’ in the Swan Valley and 2 blocks were planted in 1976. After
establishing its ultimate suitability to the region and increased demand, blocks 3 & 4
were planted in the early 80’s from the original vines on the Estate as well as a small
block of ‘Clones 3 & 5’ collected from the Leeuwin Estate vineyard. Originally all grown
on a spur-pruned, VSP trellis, the vineyard was converted to cane pruned and +70%
lyre trellis in the mid 90’s with immediate and brilliant results. Coupled with the
application of composted mulch over the years, the vineyard shows remarkable health
and balance producing super premium fruit year in year out.

WINEMAKING
Our five blocks of mature Chardonnay vines were harvested over several days to
capture the optimal flavour profiles of each block. All fruit was hand-picked in the cool
of dawn, immediately destemmed and pressed and the juice settled in temperature controlled stainless-steel tanks. As is our tradition, half the Chardonnay underwent primary fermentation in a bespoke selection of brand-new, premium French oak
barriques (8 different cooperages) and the remaining half in stainless steel. Both
portions were matured on undisturbed lees for eight months. MLF and battonage were
avoided to retain the primary fruit flavours and freshness crucial to Ashbrook’s style of
Chardonnay. After blending, stabilization, filtration and bottling the wine was further
matured in our underground, climate-controlled cellar until release. (VF)