Bicknell FC 'Applecross' Chardonnay 2021

David Bicknell needs little introduction in Australian wine circles having worked for many years at de Bortoli and now at Oakridge where he was recently names Gourmet Traveller WINE Magazine, Winemaker of the Year.

Bicknell FC is a family winemaking project of Dave Bicknell and Nicky Harris. The project started as random wines from interesting sites, but as they have moved through the years, getting their eye in so to speak, they have settled into the good fortune of leasing one of those interesting sites.

The Chardonnay & Pinot Noir currently available are from Val Stewart’s vineyard at the top of the hill in Gladysdale. There is 1.0 Ha of chardonnay and 1.5 Ha of pinot noir. It was planted in 1988 with 3,660 plants/Ha, and sits between 332-363m ASL, in red volcanic soil.

96 Points - "From a 330m elevation vineyard in the Upper Yarra. Whole-bunched pressed to older puncheons. Natural fermentation and no mlf. A touch riper and more concentrated than last year's version. Aromas of red apples and just-ripened orchard fruits with a little flint. Fans out nicely on the palate. Gently savoury and with a touch of grip on the long, saline finish."  Philip Rich.  Halliday Wine Companion.