About Us
A collaboration between Adelaide locals Henry Borchardt (winemaker) and James McLeay (chardonnay lover). About Time Wines represents our overdue foray into the small batch production of expressive chardonnay that highlights single vineyards in the beautiful cool climate of the Adelaide Hills. We’ve made chardonnay that we like to drink. We hope you like it too.
2021 Echunga Chardonnay
26 year old vineyard in Echunga, 400m above sea level. Hand-picked Bernard Clone 76, whole bunch pressed into French (Damy) 300L Hogsheads with a mixture of 25% new and 2nd/3rd use barrels. The wine naturally went through wild yeast fermentation and malolactic fermentation. Regular lees stirring was undertaken. Unfined and unfiltered. Bottled in February 2022 after 10 months in barrel. Only 130 cases made. 12.6% alcohol.
Tasting Notes
Lemon peel, grapefruit and mineral notes. Bright and racy acidity is balanced by a textured, rounded palate with a hint of vanilla and oatmeal.
2022 Woodside Chardonnay
27-year-old vineyard in Woodside, 368m above sea level. Hand-picked Bernard Clone 95, whole bunch pressed into high-quality French 500L Puncheons (50% new), undergoing wild yeast ferment and natural malolactic fermentation. Regular lees stirring was undertaken. Unfined and unfiltered. Bottled in February 2023 after 10 months in barrel. Unfined and unfiltered. Only 130 cases made. 13.0% alcohol.
Tasting Notes
New season white peach and other stone fruits wrapped in a toasty, struck match richness. The palate has balanced vanilla creaminess with oak driven spice and long length.
2022 Echunga Chardonnay
27 year old vineyard in Echunga, 400m above sea level. Hand-picked, Bernard Clone 76, whole bunch pressed into French (Damy) 300L Hogsheads with a mixture of 25% new and 2nd/3rd use barrels. The wine naturally went through wild yeast fermentation and malolactic fermentation. Regular lees stirring was undertaken. Unfined and unfiltered. Bottled in February 2023 after 10 months in barrel. Only 180 cases made. 13.2% alcohol.
Tasting Notes
Vibrant nose of lemon rind, green apple, honeydew melon, and pink grapefruit, accented by floral notes of white jasmine. There’s a savory saline quality reminiscent of Noilly Prat vermouth, adding complexity to the fresh fruit. The palate delivers linear acidity with a mouth-coating texture with secondary oak-derived nuances of cardamom, dill, nutmeg, and ginger mingling with softer notes of nougat, yogurt, and brioche. The wine finishes with great length, leaving a lasting impression of orchard fruit and subtle spice.