Coldstream Hills Deer Farm Vineyard Chardonnay 2018

Coldstream Hills prides itself on having access to many of the best vineyards in the Yarra Valley. Back in the late 1980s, James Halliday introduced single vineyard wines to Coldstream Hills demonstrating their unique styles. The tradition has continued with the release of the Deer Farm Single Vineyard range. 

"A tense, highly precise chardonnay from a cooler south to south-eastern facing single vineyard in Gladysdale, in the Upper Yarra. Flint, pebbles and white peach to nectarine allusions are wound about a spool of mineral tension and nicely nestled oak. This expands effortlessly with time in the glass, boding well for a bright mid-term future. Good in 3 years, best around 5. Thrust of flavour and length guaranteed."  Ned Goodwin

At higher altitude and planted in 1994 on grey clay-loam soil, the 29ha Coldstream Hills Deer Farm Vineyard in Gladysdale produces archetypal Upper Yarra Valley chardonnay. The 2018 Deer Farm Vineyard Chardonnay was sourced from the south-facing Blocks C East & C West which are planted to the I10V1 clone.

"Deer Farm has regularly produced the best single vineyard wines each year and is the jewel in the Coldstream crown." - James Halliday

"This wine was fermented and matured on lees for nine months in French oak – 46% new, with the remainder in seasoned barriques and puncheons. Pale straw colour with trace green. The nose is pure and refined, with attractive lime citrus peel, nashi pear and white flowers. Subtle French oak is evident with underlying cashew nut barrel fermentation and hints of wet slate. The palate is fine and pure, has great length of flavour, finishing with beautifully balanced citrus acidity. Very true to style, the palate expresses lemon citrus and pear characters, with underlying nougat, mineral slate and seamless French oak.

A cool start to the growing season was overshadowed by a warm and humid late Spring. Dry conditions prevailed throughout the summer months with gloriously warm days and cool nights. A relatively early start to the season, which was fortunately tempered by an even period of sugar and flavour development."  Coldstream Hills

Expert reviews

"A tense, highly precise chardonnay from a cooler south to south-eastern facing single vineyard in Gladysdale, in the Upper Yarra. Flint, pebbles and white peach to nectarine allusions are wound about a spool of mineral tension and nicely nestled oak. This expands effortlessly with time in the glass (or the decanter), boding well for a bright mid-term future. Good in 3 years, best around 5. Thrust of flavour and length guaranteed."  Ned Goodwin, Halliday Wine Companion - 95 points

About the winery

Wine writer, judge and personality James Halliday Suzanne and his wife Suzanne founded Coldstream Hills in 1985. It has since grown to become one of Australia's leading small wineries, with a reputation for producing high quality estate wines and outstanding single vineyard and reserve wines. Situated in the Yarra Valley, one of Australia's premier cool climate wine regions, the steep, close-planted vineyards lining the natural Amphitheatre have become a signature of the region.

The Amphitheatre and House Block were planted in 1985. Land adjacent to Coldstream Hills was purchased in 1988, followed by the planting of G Block with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties. The year ended with the construction of the winery. The Upper Yarra Valley Vineyard was planted in 1993, followed by the acquisition of the Briarston Vineyard in 1994, and the Fernhill Vineyard in 1996. A new temperature-controlled barrel cellar, capable of handling up to 1500 barrels, was built in 1999. In 2013, Coldstream Hills purchased the Deer Farm Vineyard.

Winemakers Andrew Fleming and Jarratt joined Coldstream Hills in 2001 and are still there today. Andrew has more than 30 years of winemaking experience, including vintages in France at the iconic Chateau Haut Brion in Bordeaux and in the Languedoc region. Their leadership has produced a string of wine show awards over the ensuing years.