Chardonnay - Hillier Blanc Christian Block 2023

Hillier Blanc Christian Block

• 100% Estate Grown Chardonnay, vineyard planted by Richard Karlo in 2009
• Hand-harvested fruit, 15kg totes, late September 2020
• Whole cluster pressed in a water pressure basket press
• Spontaneous fermentation with a pied de cuve
• Alcoholic fermentation in 50% steel and 50% oak barrels
• Spontaneous Malo-lactic fermentation & elevage
• Barrel & steel portions blended for bottling
• Unfiltered & unfined
• Lightly sulphured after malo & at bottling
• Bottled in October of 2024

Tasting notes by Rick VanSickle

Last House Hillier Blanc Christian Block Chardonnay 2023 ($46, released today on Chardonnay Day, May 22, 93 points) — The Christian Block is sourced from the estate’s 12 short of rows of Chardonnay planted by the late Richard Karlo in 2009. Only 42 cases were made. It shows a light gold colour in the glass with a nose of lemon curd, seashells/saline minerality, pear, quince, gentle reductive notes, and subtle savoury spice accents. It has a rich and creamy texture on the palate with more reduction, then baked pear, yellow apples, lemon zest, and chalky/stony notes on a chiselled, vibrant and long-lasting finish. So many layers of intrigue in this personable Chardonnay. For drinking in the next 5-6 years.