Product Description
Apsley Gorge Chardonnay 2023 reflects the exceptional terroir of the Apsley Valley in Tasmania, a region renowned for its cool climate and unique microclimate that promotes slow, even ripening of fruit. Planted by former abalone diver and lobster fisherman Brian Franklin in the early 1990s, the vineyard has flourished on the estate’s 7-hectare site with low yields and non-irrigated vines, ensuring the stability and intensity of the fruit. Brian, who honed his winemaking skills in Burgundy, has shaped Apsley Gorge wines to reflect a balance of tradition and innovation. His deep connection to the land, coupled with his expertise in French winemaking, has resulted in a Chardonnay that is rich, vibrant, and remarkably elegant.
The 2023 vintage, a product of a cooler and more challenging growing season, showcases Brian's careful stewardship of the vineyard. With minimal yields and a focus on balance, the resulting wine exhibits a remarkable freshness and depth of flavour. The Chardonnay reveals subtle fruit characters with a fine, well-integrated oak influence, offering complexity and finesse. Apsley Gorge Chardonnay 2023 is both vibrant and textured, with a backbone of natural acidity that will allow it to age gracefully over the next 5-10 years.
Maker
Brian Franklin, the owner and winemaker of Apsley Gorge, brings a wealth of experience to the craft of winemaking. After initially training under Philippe Charlopin, one of Burgundy’s most respected winemakers, Brian’s winemaking journey led him to the Apsley Valley. His expertise in the French tradition of winemaking, combined with his nearly 40 years of experience in both France and Australia, has shaped the wines of Apsley Gorge into one of Tasmania’s finest examples of cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Brian’s hands-on approach, from viticulture to fermentation, ensures that every bottle expresses the unique character of the land.
Apsley Gorge is a testament to Brian’s commitment to producing exceptional wines with great purity and structure. The vineyard’s location, near the entrance to the Apsley Gorge National Park, enjoys cooling afternoon breezes, which moderate the climate and promote long, slow ripening. With a focus on natural winemaking techniques and minimal intervention, Brian produces wines that are as individual as the site they come from, with each vintage representing a new opportunity to showcase the potential of the land.
Philosophy
At Apsley Gorge, the philosophy revolves around the careful, natural expression of the vineyard’s terroir. Brian Franklin’s approach to winemaking is rooted in the belief that great wine begins in the vineyard, where healthy soils, low yields, and careful vineyard management are key to achieving the highest quality fruit. The vineyard is farmed without irrigation, and every vine is hand-pruned and hand-picked to ensure that only the best grapes make it into the wine.
Winemaking at Apsley Gorge is focused on minimal intervention, allowing the natural characteristics of the grapes to shine through. Fermentation is carried out with native yeasts, and oak usage is kept to a minimum to allow the fruit to take centre stage. The result is a collection of wines that are rich, complex, and balanced, with a clear reflection of the region’s unique growing conditions. The philosophy of Apsley Gorge is to produce wines that are expressive, structured, and built to age, showcasing the exceptional potential of Tasmania’s cool-climate vineyards.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Subtle, Complex Aromas
The nose of the Apsley Gorge Chardonnay 2023 is subtle yet complex, with delicate hints of ripe citrus fruit and a whisper of white flowers. There are underlying aromas of almond croissant and lightly toasted oak, with a faint minerality reminiscent of coastal breezes. The nose evolves with time, revealing layers of lemon zest, green apple, and a touch of fresh cream, inviting you to explore further.
Palate
Rich, Vibrant, and Textured
On the palate, the wine is rich and textured, with a beautiful balance of citrus fruit, roasted nuts, and a slight creaminess from the oak influence. The fruit is bright and vibrant, with flavours of lemon curd and green pear leading the way, while a subtle undercurrent of toasted brioche adds depth. The wine’s mouthfeel is smooth, with a fine balance of freshness and weight that makes it both elegant and satisfying.
Finish
Long, Fresh, and Balanced
The finish is long and refreshing, with the natural acidity providing a clean, crisp lift to the wine. The minerality and fine acidity give the wine a vibrant structure, while the lingering citrus notes and hints of almond and vanilla offer a satisfying conclusion. This Chardonnay has great aging potential, and its balance of fruit and acidity ensures it will evolve beautifully in the bottle.
The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Chardonnay
Country - Australia
Region - Tasmania
Vintage - 2023
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.5%
