Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay

Growing Region: Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

Winemaker: Denis Gunn

TASTING NOTE:
2007 was a top vintage in Hawke's Bay - the vines enjoyed a good summer with plenty of hot weather and relatively low levels of rainfall. This meant that in the approach to harvest fruit quality was maximized as it neared time for harvesting. As the fruit came in - it was whole bunch pressed into new and one year old French barriques for cool fermentation. Then aged on its yeast lees for 10 months.

In the glass you have a brilliant, gold straw colour with green hues. The bouquet has a very inviting aroma of white flesh peach and citrus blossom. There are hints of honeydew melon, naval orange and toasted almonds. With just over 2 years in the bottle - the wine has developed biscuity notes, great complexity and a good mouth feel.

The palate still has a fresh citrus character with flavours of naval orange and melon, followed on by mealy and toasty flavours. The palate is firm and well structured and is showing good richness and fullness in the glass, and finishing with good length.

CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Drinking perfectly well this summer; and over the next 12-18months.

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:
Perfect wine match with roast or bbq chicken, creamy pasta or ripe cheese and a crusty loaf of bread, enjoy.

One of New Zealand's quiet achievers of top Chardonnay.