New Release
Chardonnay 2024, Hawke’s Bay

An elegant, refined Hawkes Bay Chardonnay with intense lemon zest aromatics and flavour. Seamless with a delicate thread of graceful French oak, structured to age well.

Chardonnay 2024

$85.00 NZD
Item
Vintage Conditions

The 2023-24 growing season was a delight following tumultuous Cyclone Gabrielle. Spring rainfall was variable resulting in extended flowering which caused reduced yields. Hawkes Bay experienced warm dry weather from December, with very little disease pressure in the vineyards. Temperatures were slightly above longterm averages while rainfall for the growing season was usual. In simple terms a vintage of low yields and superb quality, a dream reinforcing our ethos at Radburnd Cellars. Vintage commenced for Radburnd Cellars on the 7th March 2024.

Vineyards

Vineyards from three sub regions have been blended to make this Chardonnay, Mangatahi, Havelock North and Bridge Pa. Beautiful handpicked fruit resulted in all cases, with intense aromas and flavours. All vineyards are sustainably managed and both young and mature, established vines comprise this blend. A lovely balance of weight and extract along with bright fresh fruit. Canopy management, yield management and irrigation control has been excellent.

Winemaking

The Chardonnay grapes have been hand picked and cool stored overnight. The chilled bunches were hand sorted the following morning and then whole bunch pressed. The majority of fruit was cold settled, then racked to barrel, while some juice went directly from the press to barrel. Indigenous and cultured yeast completed fermentation, ageing on gross fermentation lees for approximately 10 months with some lees stirring. New and one year old French oak barriques, well- seasoned were selected.

Tasting Note

Abundant lively lemon peel and grapefruit notes notate this wine. A rich Chardonnay with lovely weight of flavour with a line of tension that will unfold with time. Energetic and exciting cellaring will reward greatly. Pristine fruit and lively acidity provide extra structure and support to the sensitive French oak and yeast influences. Texture abounds in the mouthfeel, with lovely density, whilst vibrant and fresh now, this wine is structured to age beautifully.