2023 Patrick Underwood 'Dash Farms' Chardonnay

The vines were planted in 1999 and grow high on the western slopes of Leanganook with a north-south orientation. The soils are Harcourt granite-derived colluvium (quartz and fine- to medium-grain feldspar sand). These rows sit at around 477 metres in elevation and are farmed by David Braybrook. 

The 2023 vintage was the last of a cool trio, but showed less disease pressure than in 2022. Overall, it meant the season was long, though Pat picked these grapes on the earlier side to enhance the balance between fruit and freshness. The fruit was foot-crushed before a slow and gentle press and overnight settling. It then went to tank for a cool ferment, "We enjoy the healthy and elongated fermentation arc we see in tank," Pat says. After ferment, the wines saw some malo and 12 months in barrel before racking and bottling in January 2025.

About Little Reddie

You won’t find a more dedicated, thoughtful and meticulous winemaker than Patrick Underwood. Pat works with unique vineyards in Central Victoria; from dry-grown plots in Malmsbury, to obscure plantings of indigenous Venetian varieties in Colbinabbin, to iron-rich sites planted to mineral Nebbiolo. His relationships with his growers are fiercely warm and tight, sharing ethics and values towards the land. In the cellar, Pat’s approach is one of passion, intuition and minimal intervention.