Lake's Folly Chardonnay 2022

Established in 1963 by Doctor Max Lake, Lake's Folly was the first new vineyard in the Hunter Valley last century. In early 2000 Lake's Folly was purchased by Peter and Lee Fogarty and family who, along with Hunter-born and bred winemaker, Rodney Kempe, have continued to maintain the integrity and direction of this significant vineyard.

Their two flagship wines, a Cabernet blend and a Chardonnay, are made in limited quantities and are grown, vintaged, and made on the estate. The wine styles are restrained and elegant, showing finesse and complexity. They have clarity of structure and great length of flavour. Lake's Folly Chardonnay is made from low yielding, estate-grown fruit which is barrel fermented and aged on yeast lees for eight months in French oak barriques (30–50% new). There is no secondary malolactic fermentation.
The wine cellars extraordinarily well, with many vintages living for 10+ years.

During 2022, the La Niña weather pattern delivered late harvest rainfall; however, Chardonnay is a remarkably resilient grape and it never ceases to amaze us that, often, the best vintages of Lake’s Folly Chardonnay come from these more challenging seasons – due, in part, to its better natural acid retention from the cooler harvest period (being one theory). Suffice to say, the 2022 vintage Chardonnay is outstanding, with potential for great longevity.

Golden straw in colour; the nose shows lifted fruits of peach, pear juice and citrus, with hints of spice and dried oats. The palate is tight and fine, with the same fruits of peach and pear juice coming through, complemented by subtle, but perfectly-integrated, French oak. Elegant, stylish, with great acidity to give length and persistence. A great wine that will also benefit from further time in bottle.

The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Chardonnay
Country - Australia
Region - Hunter Valley, New South Wales
Vintage - 2022
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.5%