Clover Hill Exceptionelle Blanc de Blancs 2018

Limited production.

From time to time, the blessing of virtually perfect climatic conditions can produce an exceptional vintage. The first of these was in 1999, when abundant winter and spring rainfall was followed by a warm, mild, yet sunny, ripening season. The fruit from this vintage was so outstanding, a small number of chardonnay parcels from the Clover Hill Vineyard were reserved to create the Clover Cuvée Exceptionnelle Blanc de Blancs.

The fruits was gently whole-bunch-pressed, fermented and underwent malolactic fermentation. Post-fermentation the tanks were held on their lees and were regularly battonaged. Once tiraged, the wine was aged on lees in bottle for a minimum of five years prior to the first disgorging.

The Clover Exceptionelle Blanc de Blancs has a golden straw appearance with a fine, persistent bead and delicate mousse. The wine displays aromas of brioche and honey with a hint of toasted hazelnuts. The palate is creamy with a textural mid-palate and exhibits flavours of preserved citrus and lemon curd.

Drinking beautifully now, but also will reward greatly if left to develop over the next 10+ years.