Pooles Rock Premiere Chardonnay 2022: A Hunter Valley Expression of Elegance and Power

The Hunter Valley is renowned for its ability to produce world-class Chardonnays, and the Pooles Rock Premiere Chardonnay 2022 is a shining example of the region’s exceptional winemaking prowess. Crafted from carefully selected parcels of fruit from the Broke Fordwich subregion, this Chardonnay embodies the essence of Hunter Valley terroir, combining rich, complex flavours with a refined, textural mouthfeel.

A Vineyard Rooted in Excellence

The grapes for the Pooles Rock Premiere Chardonnay 2022 were sourced from the winery’s own vineyard in the Broke Fordwich subregion, an area known for producing some of the Hunter Valley’s most distinguished wines. The vineyard’s unique location and soil composition contribute to the wine’s distinctive character, with a focus on quality from vine to bottle.

The 2022 vintage presented winemakers with a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Late spring rains provided much-needed water, followed by cooler than average temperatures through December and January. This extended ripening period allowed the grapes to develop intense and complex flavours, while maintaining the bright acidity that is a hallmark of fine Hunter Valley Chardonnay.

Winemaking: Precision and Craftsmanship

The winemaking process for the Pooles Rock Premiere Chardonnay 2022 was a study in precision and craftsmanship. Harvested in the cool early morning hours to preserve the fruit’s quality, the grapes were immediately whole bunch pressed at the Pokolbin winery. This gentle pressing method helps to retain the purity of the juice and capture the fresh, vibrant character of the fruit.

The cloudy juice was then transferred to French oak barrels and puncheons, where fermentation took place. A small portion of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation, a process that softens the wine’s acidity and adds a creamy, textural element to the palate. After fermentation, the wine was matured for nine months in oak, with fortnightly lees stirring to enhance complexity and depth.

The result is a Chardonnay that is both rich and powerful, with a finely tuned balance between fruit, oak, and texture.

Tasting Notes: A Symphony of Flavours

The Pooles Rock Premiere Chardonnay 2022 is a wine that immediately captivates with its elegant yet intense profile. In the glass, it presents a pale yellow colour with hints of green, reflecting its youthful vibrancy.

On the nose, the wine offers intense aromas of stonefruit, particularly white peach, complemented by green melon and grapefruit. These fruit notes are layered with savoury oak, adding depth and complexity to the bouquet.

The palate is where this Chardonnay truly shines. It is rich and powerful, with flavours of white peach and grapefruit at the forefront. The use of barrel fermentation and lees stirring has contributed to a textural mouthfeel that is both creamy and satisfying, with complex savoury notes adding a further dimension. The wine’s bright acidity ensures a clean, refreshing finish, leaving a lasting impression of citrus and subtle oak.

Food Pairing: Elevating the Experience

The Pooles Rock Premiere Chardonnay 2022 is a versatile wine that pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes. Its rich, powerful palate and complex texture make it an ideal companion for roasted or grilled white meats, such as chicken or pork, particularly when served with a creamy or buttery sauce.

For seafood lovers, this Chardonnay is a perfect match for dishes like lobster or scallops, where the wine’s acidity and textural depth can enhance the richness of the seafood. The wine’s stonefruit and citrus notes also complement dishes featuring fresh herbs, making it a great pairing for a herb-crusted salmon or a vibrant citrus salad.

For a more indulgent pairing, consider serving this Chardonnay with a creamy risotto or a cheese platter featuring aged, hard cheeses. The wine’s complexity and structure will stand up to the richness of these dishes, creating a harmonious balance on the palate.

Aging Potential: Built for Longevity

While the Pooles Rock Premiere Chardonnay 2022 is already a delight to drink, it is also a wine with significant aging potential. With proper cellaring, this Chardonnay will continue to evolve over the next 7+ years, developing further complexity and richness as the fruit softens and the oak integrates more fully. Over time, expect the wine to reveal additional layers of flavour, with the savoury notes becoming more pronounced and the texture becoming even more refined.

A Hunter Valley Classic in the Making

The Pooles Rock Premiere Chardonnay 2022 is a wine that exemplifies the best of Hunter Valley winemaking. It is a wine of elegance, power, and complexity, crafted with precision and care from vine to bottle. Whether enjoyed now or laid down for future enjoyment, this Chardonnay is a true expression of its terroir and a testament to the winemaking expertise at Pooles Rock.

For those who appreciate the finer things in life, the 2022 Premiere Chardonnay is a wine that informs, educates, and entertains the palate. Its balance of fruit, oak, and texture makes it a perfect choice for any occasion, and its aging potential ensures that it will continue to provide enjoyment for years to come.

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