The new releases include the Eileen Hardy 2014 Chardonnay ($95), 2014 Pinot Noir ($95) and 2013 Shiraz ($125), as well as the 2013 vintage of the Thomas Hardy Cabernet Sauvignon ($130).
The ranges pay tribute to Hardys' founder, Thomas, and the family’s matriarch, Eileen, who is credited for driving the success of the brand after her husband passed away in 1938. Both are well recognised in Australia and the Eileen Hardy Chardonnay in particular is considered as one of the nation’s benchmark chardonnays.
This year’s release of the Eileen Hardy Chardonnay represents the 30th annual release and is a blend of Tasmanian and Yarra Valley fruit. Over the years the style has evolved under the guidance of Tom Newton, Hardys' understated Chief White Winemaker. The first examples came from the moderate Padthaway region, while the more recent vintages have been sourced from Tasmania and the Yarra Valley.
Chardonnay has been Newton’s passion and Eileen his special project as he and his team have remarkably overseen every vintage since its inception.
"Chardonnay is special for a winemaker. It gives you a chance to express your own style," Newton said when asked about his particular love of the varietal.
Australia’s premium chardonnays are world class, and the Eileen is a prime example of the highest quality winemaking influences. A re-think in philosophy over the past 10-15 years has meant that current Eileen vintages have less alcohol, phenolics, over-ripeness and oak; instead they have more finesse, line, length, tangy acid, complexity and texture.
Paul Lapsley, Chief Winemaker for Hardys, said: "If ever there was a wine whose characteristics trended almost exactly with the evolution of chardonnay style in Australia, it would have to be Eileen Hardy."
Eileen has been at the forefront of premium chardonnays, evolving into a wine of complex flavours, elegance and uniqueness. The wine is very much a statement of the historical blending philosophy which aims to produce the very best wine each year, meaning the wine may come from one or more regions.
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