Tasting Note:
This classic Hawkes Bay Chardonnay reflects site and a traditional, sensitive approach to winemaking. Fragrant citrus and floral aromas combine with a flinty minerality and lead into a palate of stone-fruits and citrus complemented by a creamy complexity. Concentrated and well balanced with a long finish.
Ideal drinking:
If stored in optimal conditions this wine will cellar well for at least five years from vintage date.
Viticulture
The 2008 vintage followed a warm growing season characterised by cool evening temperatures during autumn. Grapes for this wine came from very low yielding sites, primarily situated in the acclaimed Gimblett Gravels grape growing region with the balance from Ohiti. Free draining soils and low yielding environments have produced grapes to optimum maturity delivering a wine with depth and concentration of flavour combined with good natural acidity.
Winemakers Comment:
Whole Bunch Pressed
Fermentation: 76% natural ferment, 100% barrel
Barrel Type: French oak barrique - 40% new
Maturation: 10 months on lees.
Fining: Minimal - using natural products
Malolactic: Partially (29%) for natural acid adjustment
Bottled: February 2009
Awards & Accolades
- 5 Stars/Top 10 NZ Chardonnay - Cuisine Magazine May 2010 (New Zealand)
- "Classic Status" - Michael Cooper 2010