The 2022 Heirloom Assen's Fortalice Chardonnay is the flagship Adelaide Hills Chardonnay from Heirloom Vineyards, produced by winemaker Elena Brooks from a single vineyard near Charleston in the Adelaide Hills. Assen's Fortalice represents a selection of the very best barrels from the vineyard, making it a more concentrated and ambitious expression than Heirloom's regional Chardonnay. The cool climate of the Adelaide Hills provides the natural acidity required for serious Chardonnay, while careful barrel selection gives the wine additional depth, texture and complexity. At just 12.5% alcohol, the 2022 retains excellent freshness and restraint despite its generous stone-fruit character.
The 2022 opens with nectarine, white peach and apricot alongside cooler notes of apple, citrus and mandarin. Subtle almond, baked bread, grilled nuts and struck-match characters provide savoury complexity, while oak and lees ageing contribute a gentle creamy texture without overwhelming the fruit. The palate combines ripe stone fruit with lime-driven acidity, sea-spray minerality and a persistent, finely structured finish. The vintage achieved an impressive collection of show results, including Double Gold at the 2023 China Wine & Spirits Awards, 92 Points and Silver at the 2023 Royal Adelaide Wine Show, 90 Points and Silver at the Decanter World Wine Awards, and 90 Points from Huon Hooke at The Real Review.
