The 2015 BLOOM, their third incarnation since the original 2008 version, is a slowly aged white wine made in a style inspired by the “sous voile”, or “under-the-veil”, oxidative methods found in France’s Jura and Burgundy region. Here, McLaren Vale Chardonnay from the sandy Blewitt Springs sub-region has been matured for six and a half years in selected white Burgundy barrels (4), periodically adding some fresh white wine to feed the ‘flor’ (flower) or (veil) growing as a natural, healthy protective barrier of yeast on the wine’s surface. The last four years the barrels were turned on their side to prevent any tampering (mainly to keep the winemaker from drinking it) and to completely seal the bung air tight. No topping was done during this final ageing period. Brad aged the bottled wine an additional 8 months in their cold cellar.

Only 75 cases of this dry, quixotic white wine were produced.

“Amber in hue, the wine’s nose is redolent of honey, toffee apples even whiffs of Springbank whisky come to mind. Butterscotch, desiccated coconut, ripe citrus and apple, curry powder coupled with lovely seaspray and nutty whiffs. Focused entry with rich palate weight, the wine tightens as it flows across the tongue to the back of the mouth. 2015 BLOOM has lively acidity which dials up the wine’s briny/salty complexity on the back end followed by an iodine/peaty twang and gently nutty finish that rolls.” – Brad Hickey, Vinitor, 16 January 2022.

Additional information

Sub-region: Blewitt Springs

Geology: North Maslin Sands over ironstone

Altitude: 250 metres above sea level

Time in oak: 6.5 years

Oak origin: French, 4 white Burgundy barrels

Oak age: Blend of different ages

Bottling date August 20, 2021

Closure: Diem cork

100% McLaren Vale Chardonnay

Alc/Vol: 15%