Description
The inaugural release of Top Block is Chalmers in microcosm, capturing the essence of the family’s philosophy and collective experience. The varieties are familiar, but the composition is wholly individual, as is the critical reflection of the rock-laden block on Heathcote’s Mount Camel Range. And, as always, both fruit and place are articulated with a light touch, uncluttered by winemaking artefact.
The Chalmers Heathcote vineyard is planted east to west on a gradual east-facing slope, with the lower reaches from 150 to 210 metres largely on classic red Cambrian soil. From about 210 metres to the top of the site at 225 metres, that changes markedly. Gone are the fertile soils, yielding to tougher, rockier and hungrier ones which have produced distinctly different wines.
The idea was unearthed from winemaker Bart van Olphen to produce a wine that was less about a particular variety, but a wine of place while using every variety that is planted in that one site on the ‘TOP BLOCK’.
The composition of the 2023 is 34% each of Aglianico and Sagrantino, 14% of Nero d’Avola and Piedrosso, with 4% Falanghina completing the blend. The intention is to bring those varieties together to work in harmony, none overshadowing. The Aglianico from the block is elegant and savoury, while Sagrantino offers power and structure. Piedirosso has a meaty, iodine-like character, unique floral perfume, and when picked at tannin maturity brings a plushness that fills out that mid-palate and complements the savouriness of the major contributors. Nero from the block has a lifted prettiness of fruit and always expresses regional char and smokiness, while Falanghina adds a polished freshness.
**95 POINTS – HALLIDAY WINE COMPANION
