Mayfield Vineyard Chardonnay Eighteen Fifteen 2023

The history of Mayfield dates back to 1815 when explorer William Charles Wentworth was granted a Mayfield Crown Grant from the governor of NSW. Today the Settlers Cottage is a heritage-listed homestead and popular accommodation. Vines were first planted in ’99 and Mayfield vineyard was born. Since ownership changed hands in ’21, Mayfield has been given a breath of cool, crisp Orange air from root to bottle under the guidance of the Eastham family. Single-vineyard wines, minimal intervention and a focus on elegance, refinement and vivacity are at its core.

Cool climate range includes Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Rosé, Sparkling and Cabernet. Planted in 1998, Mayfield Vineyard’s natural features include an elevation of 950m with more than 900mm per annum rainfall. The cool climate compliments the rich loam and basalt soils to produce one of the top wine regions in Australia.

Fermentation was started in tank. It was then transferred to new and older French oak puncheons and hogsheads including Ermitage, Dargaud & Jaegle and Damy barrels (35% new oak). The lees were stirred regularly to develop palate weight and texture. The wine underwent 100% Malolactic fermentation.(MLF).

THE Wine Companion

Mayfield Vineyard Chardonnay Eighteen Fifteen 2023 – 95 / 100 Points

Maturation in French puncheons and hogsheads, of which 35% was new. Regular lees stirring and full mlf. Lemon sherbet, dandelion and chamomile flowers. A hint of cantaloupe and papaya. Buddha’s hand citrus and tangerine oil. Quite a lot of savoury notes this vintage, cumin, paperbark and cold tea leaf. Mlf shows in its churned butter creaminess, and oak surrounds its tropical and citrus fruit core. Again, this wine over-delivers in value at its price..

– Shanteh Wale