# Flagship '842' Tumbarumba Chardonnay (2015)

- **Producer:** McWilliam's Family Winemakers
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** New South Wales, Australia
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €36
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** peach, apricot, lemon, grapefruit, fennel, butter, toast, vanilla, biscuit, hazelnut, honey, dried apricot

## About this wine

McWilliam's Family Winemakers, established in 1877 by Samuel McWilliam, is one of Australia's pioneering wine dynasties. The Flagship '842' Chardonnay is sourced from the high-altitude Johansen Vineyard in Tumbarumba, the coolest wine region in New South Wales. Nestled in the alpine foothills of the Snowy Mountains, this unique terroir features nutrient-lean granitic soils and extreme diurnal temperature shifts. The '842' name pays homage to the vineyard's elevation, which reaches up to 842 meters above sea level, producing grapes with remarkable natural acidity and structural elegance.

## Interesting facts

- The wine is named '842' after the peak altitude in meters of the Johansen Vineyard in the alpine foothills of the Snowy Mountains.
- Tumbarumba is the coolest wine region in New South Wales, experiencing winter snow and very cold nights.
- This vintage won two trophies and six gold medals on the Australian wine show circuit.

## Food pairing

The high natural acidity and medium-plus body of this cool-climate Chardonnay cut through rich, creamy sauces and buttery seafood dishes. The subtle oak integration and lees-stirred texture complement roasted poultry and earthy wild mushrooms beautifully.

## Wine making process

Crafted by winemaker Andrew Higgins, the hand-picked fruit was whole-bunch pressed and underwent partial wild-yeast fermentation in French oak barriques. A portion of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation, accompanied by regular lees stirring (bâtonnage) to build texture, complexity, and integrate the oak. The wine was matured in a combination of new and seasoned fine French oak barriques to balance the vibrant cool-climate fruit with subtle savory elements.