Chardonnay 2020 Scotchmans Hill

The Scotchmans Hill estate was purchased in the 1970’s, driven by the Browne family’s affection for the Bellarine Peninsula. Their first vineyard was planted in 1982 and their success has been their commitment to producing premium cool maritime climate wines. With a resolute identity and style along with consistent production of high-quality wine, Scotchmans Hill has become a leading winery both locally and globally.

The Winery is located in the heart of the Bellarine Peninsula, 20 minutes from Geelong. Categorised as ‘cool climate’, this allows for an extended growing season and can be compared to Old World regions such as Burgundy. The Bellarine Peninsula’s long, usually dry Autumn, allows for optimum ripeness; the low rainfall encouraging concentration of flavour, colour and aromatics. Influenced by moderating factors from Port Philip Bay and Bass Strait in the form of cool winds which allow the grapes to maintain a good level of acidity. Moreover, the winds provide essential airflow through the canopy, a natural regulator of vine disease and waterlogging. Annual rainfall sits between 500-600ml with the majority falling in Spring and winter. Overall, the peninsula is principally a rolling plain around 150 metres above sea level with an extremely rich terroir. The soil type is self-mulching black ferrosol, a product of tertiary basalt from the Eocene period, where volcanic activity was prevalent throughout the Main Ridge, Red hill and Merrick’s areas. It is ‘iron rich’, well drained and benefits aromatic grape varieties.

Their respect and move towards more sustainable practices are vital in their winemaking. They prefer to intervene less and let the grapes speak for themselves. Awards include ‘Best Victorian Shiraz’, the prestigious ‘Trevor Mast trophy for Best Shiraz of Show’ at the Melbourne Royal Wine Awards & the ‘Geelong Wine Show’ Trophy for the Best Chardonnay in 2020.