2009 MadFish 'Sideways' chardonnay tasting note

1. 2009 Sideways
Technical Notes
Chardonnay
The 2009 vintage has been a challenging but ultimately rewarding
vintage. A dry winter was followed by a cold and wet spring, just as
flowering was in full swing. Thus grape yields were down and disease
pressure was increased. However the ripening season was moderately
Varieties
warm, dry and even; perfect for ripening grapes with great natural
Chardonnay
acidity and fresh tight fruit flavours.
Region The blend for the first Sideways Chardonnay is typical Margaret River.
Margaret River Chardonnay from the Yallingup and Karridale subregions was harvested
between February and March with great natural acidity and fine melon
and citrus fruit flavours.
The Sideways Chardonnay was barrel fermented using wild yeasts in
mostly second and third use French oak barriques. The wine was aged
on lees for 8 months with no malolactic fermentation prior to blending.
Tasting Notes
The 2009 Sideways Chardonnay has typical Margaret River regionality.
Light straw in colour the aromatics are melons and fresh fig, with some
grapefruit, roasted nuts and matchstick complexity. A medium to full-
bodied chardonnay palate has texture and creaminess but finishes tight
and cleansing due to the natural acid backbone of the 2009 vintage.
Cellaring
Great to drink now, this wine will improve for 3-4 years and drink well for
5-6 years.