2023 Xavier Goodridge Avon Chardonnay
Tasting Notes
Pairs well with
35-year-old vine Chardonnay from Gippsland; 13.7% ABV.
Xavier calls it the ‘estate’ Chardonnay. The grapes were 100% whole cluster pressed to tank for settling before it was moved to french barriques for fermentation. The wine stays in the barrels for a slow fermentation and is stirred once or twice prior to malo.
Crisp flavours are infused in a long line of focused grapefruity acidity that cuts seamlessly through a gentle yoghurty mid-palate creaminess. Just a hint of aniseed, caraway and mint to the finish make it a refreshing and savoury proposition.
Xavier Goodridge crafts idiosyncratic expressions of Pinot Noir born in Yarra Valley and on his organically farmed vineyard in Gippsland’s Maffra in Victoria. In collaboration with exceptional growers from the Yarra, Mount Gambier and Henty, he sources the highest quality grapes for his Pa Pa range. With the light touch in the winery, Xavier lets the wines speak of the land.
Xavier’s winemaking style supports his philosophy of letting the vineyard's work shine through in the finished wine. For him, winemaking is the ‘easy part’, as he believes that the foundation for great wines is laid in the vineyard itself. His light touch approach means the wines ferment spontaneously with indigenous yeast to express their natural characteristics without manipulation. Wines are raised in large-format oak, allowing them to mature gently and gracefully.
Xavier’s wines captivate the senses with their purity and lively energy.