Kym Tolley takes aim at crafting a crisp, young wine with soft fruit flavours to be consumed without the need for any bottle age. A stylish and elegant cool climate style of Coonawarra, the finely tuned acids achieve a crispness of palate that many new world Chardonnays lack. Quality new French oak, rich barrel ferments and partial lees stirring, all contribute to the style, the fruit flavour is not shrouded, but enhanced by the judicious use of oak, a key feature in all Penley wines.
Aradia was a mythical goddess, daughter of the sun and the moon, two important elements in Penley wine. Chardonnay is hand picked and whole bunch pressed, conserving the delicacy of fruit, adding rich soft textures and palate roundness, lingering flavours and superior length. Components are barrel fermented in new and seasoned French oak puncheons and hogsheads, essential for integrating the subtle flavours and textural tannins. Choice components are treated to wild indigenous yeast vinification and a course of malolactic. Barrels are matured several months on gross yeast lees, stirred regularly to maintain yeast in suspension, enriching the palate while protecting against oxidaization.
Medium yellow with hues of grapey green. Melon and fresh citrus bouquet, a hint of biscuit and nutty complexity achieved by aging on yeast lees in quality French oak. A finely layered palate of harmonious and sensuous flavours, grapefruits and melon. The subtle oak enhances bright varietal Chardonnay flavours without overpowering them, all leading to a silky soft finish.
