2022 Empire of Dirt Lyra Chardonnay, Geelong

Single Vineyard chardonnay from the Bellarine Peninsula

100% French oak (25% new), Indigenous yeast, 25% malolactic fermentation

Probably the most personal of my label names, what is Lyra? Well, Lyra is a constellation seen in the Southern Hemisphere over winter months and is one of the 88 modern constellations recognised by the International Astronomical Union. The brightest star of Lyra (and the fifth brightest star in the night sky) is Vega, and Vega was my first ever cat and loyal sidekick for 17.5 years (I’d been reading a bit of Carl Sagan when she was named).

Having grown up in a dog only family, the whole cat experience was new to me when I began vet nursing ( many lifetimes ago) but from day one as a kitten Vega was just the most amazing presence. At night she would gently tap my cheek to lift the covers so she could climb into bed and sleep under my chin, and by day she just wanted to be a part of whatever was going on. She was my lap warmer every study day for 6 years of my wine science degree, and always up for a smooch. Sadly she passed away in 2017 and her loss was part of the sadness that began the building of the Empire. Happy memories only now, and Lyra Chardonnay is my ode to Vega.