Bull Swamp Chardonnay 2021

The Bullswamp Vineyard was planted in 1982 by the Farrington family at the very edge of the Warragul township. The Bullswamp Chardonnay comes from the oldest plantings of the P58 clone, on a north-facing aspect of the site. Deep, rich volcanic soils nourish what are dry-grown grape vines and elevation is 100m. This section of the vineyard receives the least amount of airflow, relative to our other sites, and the northerly aspect provides full sunlight and exposure resulting in powerful, rich fruit.

Whole clusters were crushed into the press and drained off into tank for settling. Primary fermentation took place in barrique (30% new) over three weeks, followed by complete malolactic. Lees stirring occurred twice toward the end of primary, then once more at the completion of malo. Pear, lime, peach and melon with rich drive and intensity. A weighty mid-palate and line of acidity that lingers for some time.

Farmer-winemaker Patrick Sullivan can do it all. From tending to vines in rural Victoria at just age 12 on a school excursion to picking up a degree in viticulture, Patrick has now settled in West Gippsland. Farming biodynamically alongside the iconic Bill Downie, his "Tumblestone Farm" property consists of 69 hectares of ultra close-spacing vineyards (7000 vines/ha - woof) nestled amongst an acacia forest. Sitting on basalt volcanic soils over sandstone at the base of the Strzelecki Ranges, Patrick's wines are electric, inspired and truly world class.