Robert Oatley The Pennant Margaret River Chardonnay

Description

Robert Oatley The Pennant Margaret River Chardonnay is part of Oatley’s “flagship” range of wines. The Pennant wines stand at the pinnacle of the Oatley family’s winemaking expression. Just two wines are produced in the Pennant range: a Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Robert Oatley Vineyards, was founded by wine industry legend Bob Oatley in 2006, has vineyards in Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria. Sadly Bob Oatley died in January 2016 but his son Sandy has taken the helm and the company remains in safe hands. He is ably assisted by Chris Hancock, the Deputy Executive Chairman who has been working for Robert Oatley for 40 years (he also makes some good wines under the Hancock & Hancock label including an excellent Cabernet / Touriga Nacional and a Fiano). Director of Wine-making, Larry Cherubino is one of Australia’s most awarded wine makers and has made vintages all over the world. Under his guidance Robert Oatley Vineyards has identified some of the best vineyards in their respective regions that show a true sense of the land.

The Pennant wines are handmade and produced in very limited quantities, from the best barrels off the most prized vineyard blocks. Robert Oatley The Pennant Margaret River Chardonnay is produced from grapes hand selected and harvested from specific rows on a very special vineyard at Karridale in the south of Margaret River. After harvest they are Chilled, whole bunch pressed into new and one year-old, tight-grained, low-toast French oak, where the juice was allowed to undergo natural yeast ferment followed by months in barrel, without racking or movement, prior to rigorous selection to compile this final blend. 100% Chardonnay. Only 7 barrels produced.

The winemaker is the the very talented Larry Cherubino.