Lake's Folly Chardonnay 2023

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.

There is an old saying that the wine is made in the vineyard (good fruit makes good wine). Most of the Lakes Folly Cabernet vines are now more than 50 years old. This means that over the years, the vines have ‘self-regulated’. This natural low cropping gives the grapes better consistency of flavour. The terroir, which is a rare combination of volcanic hill, alluvial creek flat and south-easterly aspect, is ideal for the production of fine wines. The vines are pruned heavily for low production high quality fruit, and trellised with vertical shoot positioning, which gives more reliable flavour even in difficult years. Maintaining a true ‘estate’ philosophy allows Lakes Folly to fully express the terroir of this particular site.

Crop levels are also critical in achieving complexity. Needless to say, growing all their own fruit at the Folly enables them to be super diligent in achieving these goals, the weather having the last say on the fruit intensity for a particular year. With the old vines, low crop levels, and good canopy management, we are consistently presented with above average fruit. Throw in some traditional winemaking, French oak and you have a unique distinguished single site wine. 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% new). There is no secondary malolactic fermentation. The wine cellars extraordinarily well, with many vintages living for 10+ years.

Intense pear and white peach aromas with hints of lemon peel, supported by the finest quality French oak. The palate displays its hallmark traits of great line and length of flavour, with pear fruits also dominating the palate. It is structured and classy, of medium-weight with seamless, well-integrated oak and a long, stylish acidity. A wine for the ages - drink while young, or cellar for 10 to 12 years, easily.

The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Chardonnay
Country - Australia
Region - Hunter Valley, New South Wales
Vintage - 2023
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14%