Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay

Growing Region: Martinborough, New Zealand

Head Winemaker: Roger Parkinson

TASTING NOTE:
This dynamic Chardonnay reflects all the hard work and careful daily decisions made in the vineyard and in the winery. This vintage again clearly shows the vine site and their commitment, knowledge and experience of the people at Nga Waka. Roger crafts his Martinborough Chardonnay from vineyards that he either owns or has complete control - which aids in producing outstanding Martinborough wine. At every stage during the growing season the team pride themselves on doing the little things well - and during another difficult vintage - they have achieved concentrated, ripe flavours.

This Chardonnay was sourced from three vineyard sites - that includes 36% from the Top Block 36% from the Teagle Block and 28% from their Home Block. After careful harvesting, and pressing the juice was 100% barrel fermented in tight-grain French oak barriques (with 33% new oak). Then 70% of the wine went through malolactic fermentation. All of the barrels were lee-stirred monthly, with the wine developing in barrel for 10 months in total before bottling.

In the glass you have a light golden colour wine. On the nose you have a rich, complex Martinborough Chardonnay showing intense, ripe stone-fruit characters. The full-bodied palate is underpinned by the subtle French oak notes, the malolactic and barrel fermentation characters have integrated well - giving the wine a long and persistent finish. Chill and serve at 10-12C.

CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Drinking perfectly well this summer season; and will age for another 3-4 years.

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:
Perfect wine match with white meat dishes, even slightly creamy dishes and mature cheeses, enjoy.

A classic, dry, full-bodied Chardonnay.