Awards, Ratings & Reviews
95/100 — Winepilot · 2022 Vintage, Tasted: Aug 2024
“Faultline, as the name suggests, is off a single 0.5ha block of deep clay soils bounded by a geological fault. Year after year, it brings a particular deep-veined concentration of flavour which is enhanced by the winemaker with oak, producing a degree more savouriness than that enjoyed by its fellow Kooyong Chardonnay siblings. It is quite the individual. Upfront citrus notes, pear, stone fruits, spice and honeysuckle. A textural mouthful, nutty and nougat with more vanillin oak on show against the fruit. Cool climate acidity enhanced by a cool year means there is plenty of life ahead. Asks for a food match and would reward accordingly.”
95/100 — The Wine Front · 2022 Vintage, Tasted: Aug 2024
17/20 — Jancis Robinson · 2022 Vintage, Tasted: Aug 2024
When to drink: 2024 to 2037
James Suckling · 2022 Vintage, Tasted: Oct 2024
“The nose shows citrus- and mineral-driven aromas of lemon balm, lime curd, gun smoke and orange blossoms. The palate is medium-bodied with focused acidity and a generous mouthfeel, giving textured notes of creme brulee, shortbread and grapefruit pith. Broad, generous and delightful, with tension. Drink or hold. Screw cap.”
About This Wine
Faultline is a single-block Chardonnay sourced from a 0.5-hectare parcel of deep clay soils bounded by a geological fault on the Mornington Peninsula. The wine reflects the integration of geology, soil and regional climate, producing a concentrated and site-expressive style.
Tasting Notes
The 2022 Faultline displays fine and pure aromatics of lime citrus, pink grapefruit skin and white florals, leading to notes of almond meal, flinty reduction and exotic spices. The palate is focused and long, driven by citrus and lime juice, with a subtle grainy lees texture and a mascarpone cream sweetness. A linear, chiselled line of acidity carries the wine through to a long, savoury finish.
About the Producer
Kooyong Wines is a specialist Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris producer on the Mornington Peninsula. Family owned and operated, the 40-hectare vineyard comprises five distinct blocks, with select parcels bottled as single-block wines. All wines are entirely estate grown, vinified and bottled, with a focus on meticulous viticulture and low-intervention winemaking.
Specifications
Vintage: 2022
Grape Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Mornington Peninsula / Victoria / Australia
Alcohol: 12.4%
Acidity TA: 6.47 g/L
Acidity pH: 3.25
Fermentation: Spontaneous fermentation with ambient yeasts in French oak barriques
Maturation: 11 months on lees in French oak (20% new)
Vineyard / Geo info: Single 0.5ha Faultline block; deep clay soils bounded by a geological fault
Winemaker: Tim Perrin
Closure: Screw Cap
Drinking Window: 2024–2037