Coopers Creek Swamp Reserve Chardonnay is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and the finest vineyard selection from the top block of Middle Road Vineyard. Harvested on March 3rd 2020, the grapes undergo a gentle pressing in Auckland to minimise phenolic extraction, before settling and maturing in a blend of new and seasoned French oak barriques. With primary and malolactic fermentation taking place in the barrel and a further 10 months of ageing on yeast lees, each barrel is individually chosen for its fruit purity and aromatic excellence. Bottled on May 19th 2021, this wine promises a pale hue in its youth, evolving into pale gold with bottle age. Its bouquet reveals ripe lemon and grapefruit characters, intertwined with subtle oak, lees, and MLF-derived creaminess. On the palate, expect a harmonious balance of finesse, structure, and remarkable complexity, defining the distinctive Swamp Reserve style year after year.