Chardonnay 2021

Three vineyards have been blended to make this Chardonnay, all three are the Mendoza clone which we love, the hen and chicken berries providing intense fruit flavours, and all three are Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand accredited. Old vine Chardonnay is the majority of this blend, while just under 30% came from young vines. A lovely balance of weight and extract along with bright fresh fruit. Canopy management, yield management and irrigation control has been excellent.

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.

This lively intense Chardonnay has a backbone of citrus fruits, predominantly lemonand grapefruit. This is supported with subtle, sweet French oak and layered flavoursof brioche and yeastiness. Texture abounds in the mouthfeel, with lovely density,whilst vibrant and fresh now, this wine is structured to age beautifully. Mendoza Chardonnay is known for its intensity and palate presence; this does not disappoint. Elegance and restraint personified.

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

Alcohol: 13.5% Total acidity: 6.1 g/l