County Chardonnay du Nord 2023, Trail Estate Winery

Description from the Producer

95 PTS — David Lawrason “When tasted beside the Chardonnay du Sud of the same vintage, this struck me as just bit more elegant and elevated. There is lovely fruit on the nose — pear/peach, some florality, lemon and fine spice and just a hint of butterscotch. It is medium-full bodied, creamy and very fine, lithe with all kinds of minerality. The length is outstanding. With so few cases of each of the Sud and Nord produced, it makes sense to compare them side by side. Tasted February 2026 91 PTS — John Szabo 91 PTS — Sara D’Amato “ From the north end of the block, this lightly toasty Chardonnay is has refreshing delicacy that swells in intensity towards the finish. Leesy and apply with notes of peach blossom and a delicate chalkiness along with a hint of spice that lingers. Excellent length. Tasted February 2026. Hand Harvested from the North Block of Trail Estate’s site and pressed whole cluster to stainless steel. Chilled, racked and put to barrel to ferment naturally. A blend of new french oak and neutral puncheons and barriques were used. Aged without stirring in barrel for 11 months. Racked twice prior to bottling. Bottled unfined and unfiltered with minimal sulphur. The 2023 growing season was an EPIC season! Filled with plenty of challenges in the summer — lots of rain, high humidity and lots of heat. In September, the season flipped on its head and we were given the most beautiful ripening season. Grapes showed amazing concentration of flavour and great retention of acidity. Floral honey and beeswax with a hint of coconut. A lean Chardonnay with pure county minerality on the palate. Cases Produced: 8 Grower: Trail Estate Winery Harvested: September 30, 2023 Yields: Approx. 1.5 Tonnes/Acre Brix: 21.3 RS: <3g/L Alcohol: 12.0%