Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay

Growing Region: Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

Owner / Chief Winemaker: Peter Robertson

TASTING NOTE:

It was in 2009 that Peter last crafted the infamous 'Marshall Bank' Chardonnay. 2013 was an exceptional vintage and again gave Peter the opportunity to craft the 'Marshall Bank' Chardonnay and the grapes for this wine were grown in their Ohiti Estate. The grapes were carefully hand-picked and brought back to the winery where they were whole bunch pressed on the 11th April. Fermentation took place in a mix of both new and seasoned French barriques in a temperature controlled environment. After the wine had reached dryness, the wine was left on its gross lees and stirred weekly until it was racked ready for bottling. This outstanding Chardonnay spent a total of 8 months developing in oak barrels.

Due to only being released at the winery door over Easter, this young wine has a golden straw colour that will fill your glass. On the nose this wine has an array of inviting ripe summer fruit aromas which lift your senses. Even though this wine has a great deal of integrating and development to achieve - the wines palate is rich in stone-fruits with complimentary oak, toast and spice, moulded together by the vanillin notes from the new French barriques.

All of these characters create an enticing, succulent and mouth-filling Chardonnay, with balanced freshness from fruits natural acidity, giving the wine an elegance and pleasing finish. In its youth this wine shows true class and elegance, but time to develop will evolve and reward. Chill gently and serve at 10-12C.

CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Drinking this coming season; and will age gracefully for another 4-5 years.

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:
Perfect wine paring with roasted white meats and seasonal vegetables, plus creamy cheeses, enjoy.

A premium Chardonnay with character.