Established in 1995, Toolangi Vineyard is in the Dixons Creek subregion of the Yarra Valley, adjoining the Toolangi State Forest. This sheltered, low-cropping site is planted to the Gingin, Mendoza and I10V3 Chardonnay clones that sit in fine clay-loam soils. Year after year, this unique vineyard produces wines with a distinctive personality and strong sense of place. Pauls Lane Chardonnay comes from just 20 rows within the D Block on the 11-hectare property. It is all I10V3 planted in 1995 when the vineyard was first established.
The fruit was handpicked on 29th March, a full month later than in 2021 (when this wine was last released). The fruit was destemmed and pressed to French oak (20%) for fermentation and nine months’ maturation. Winemaker Kaspar Hermann shies away from malolactic conversion for Pauls Lane, finding natural acid/flavour balance in the I clone without it. The 2023 season produced excellent wines in the Yarra Valley; it’s just a pity yields were so low. Bunches were small and packed with flavour, a trait conveyed clearly in the glass. It’s aromatic, rich and weighty with zesty acid cut and ripe, pure fruit flavours balanced by lovely sweet spice and a delicate saline flick on the finish. Full-throttle Chardonnay.