Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay

Growing Region: Marlborough, New Zealand

Winemaker: Jules Taylor

TASTING NOTE:
The 2011 growing season was a challenge from all angles, though a defining factor to this vintage was that it all came together at the right time. As at the moment that matters most - harvest time, they were able to get all the fruit into the winery in peak condition.

The fruit for this wine is sourced from two special blocks of Chardonnay that come from vineyards in Renwick and the Awatere Valley of Marlborough. After hand harvesting, the fruit was split into two portions. One portion was wild fermented in French oak barrels, while the other was fermented in stainless steel tanks. In the barrel the yeast lees were stirred regularly over a nine month period to add palate weight and texture to the wine. Both portions underwent malolactic fermentation, then after time in barrel, the two portions were blended back together and bottled in March 2012. This is a wine that is fresh and has great fruit flavours that expresses the vineyards from which they were grown.

In the glass the wine has a pale gold colour with a lime tinge. This wine is showing ripe stone fruit and floral aromas with subtle hints of spicy oak. The partial wild & malolactic fermentations along with the extended lees maturation in barrel have added complexity and texture to the palate. A lovely balance of minerality, melons, stone fruit and citrus notes are enhanced with subtle flavours of French oak on the finish. Serve at 8-10C.

CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Drinking perfectly well this coming summer; and over the next 2-3 years.

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:
Perfect wine match with grilled chicken, bbq pork, pasta dishes and creamy cheeses, enjoy.

A beautifully balanced, vibrant Chardonnay.