Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay

Growing Region: Marlborough, New Zealand

Winemaker: Matt Thomson

TASTING NOTE:
This style and expression of Chardonnay is one that will give confidence to wine enthusiasts that there is a strong future for quality well made white wine here in New Zealand. Made in small quantities and representing the best from each vintage, the Raptor Series is their fine dining/restaurant range. Identified by Phil Binnie in the vineyard and Matt and Chris in the winery as wine that is considered of superior quality with cellaring potential, this range of wines is usually made exclusively from their own vineyards and often a single vineyard wine.

This 2011 'Raptor' Chardonnay was sourced from two vineyards. Two thirds from Peter and Ann Reeds in the Wairau Valley and one third from Hamish and Fiona Turners Awatere vineyard. After careful harvesting and then crushing and a light pressing the juice was barrel fermented in a mixture of new and one year old French oak barrels. Two thirds of the barrels were allowed to 'wild ferment' without the inoculation of a cultured yeast. Full malolactic fermentation followed with 10 months maturing on light lees in oak before blending and bottling in March 2012.

A full bodied Chardonnay with flavours of white peach, nectarine and underlying hints of nuts and spice, very aromatic on the nose. The palate is full, elegant and a creamy mid-palate with well balanced acidity and subtle oak that leads to a warm and lingering finish. Decant for 15-20 minutes and serve at 9-12C.

CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Drinking perfectly well this coming summer; and over the next 3-4 years.

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:
Perfect wine match with fettuccini, pork, smoked ham and creamy mature cheese, enjoy.

A classic style, full flavoured Chardonnay.