Chardonnay 2018

Old vine Mendoza Chardonnay was sourced from two sites in Hawke’s Bay. The Mangatahi site is inland and elevated and later ripening, while Bridge Pa ripens Chardonnay beautifully with their red metal soils.

Low yielding vines, open canopy management, managed irrigation and Sustainable Winegrowing NZ farmed were common to both sites. The Mendoza clone with their typical hen and chicken bunches produced fruit of great intensity and balance, and structured acidity. This Chardonnay was hand harvested and cooled overnight.

The cooled bunches were hand sorted then whole bunched pressed. The majority of juice was cold settled then racked to barrel. Fermentation was in new and seasoned French oak, with selected cultured yeast and indigenous yeast, for added complexity. A combination of 500L puncheons and 225L barriques were employed.

Lees stirring post fermentation was regular and malolactic fermentation was completed in barrel. The Chardonnay matured in barrel for 9 months before blending and bottling.

An elegant Chardonnay which focuses on the beautiful structure so evident in this grape variety. Pristine fruit and balanced acidity are the backbone, enhanced with seamless texture and mouthfeel. Citrus notes, particularly grapefruit pith abound, gracefully supported by sweet French oak.

This Chardonnay is drinking well now but will evolve and age beautifully for the next 5-7 years.

Alcohol: 13% Total acidity: 7.5 g/l