Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay

Growing Region: Martinborough

Chief Winemaker: Roger Parkinson

TASTING NOTE:
As with all of Roger's wines, he gives them nothing but the best attention. This wine was no different having been 100% barrel fermented in tight-grained French oak barriques (22% new). Then a third of the wine went through malolactic fermentation. All barrels were lee-stirred by hand on a monthly basis, to give complexity and richness to the palate. Total time this wine spent in barrel was 10 months.

The wine has a green/ gold colour to its appearance. The bouquet is a rich, complex Martinborough Chardonnay showing intense ripe stone fruit flavours underpinned by subtle oak, barrel fermentation and malolactic fermentation characters. The palate has a touch of butterscotch and a well balanced spine and acidity. Mouth-filling and a hint of minerality giving another layer of interest both to the wine and to the finish, this wine will mature very well over the coming few years.

CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Drinking well now - and developing nicely over the next 3-5 years.

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:
Perfect with rich chicken dishes and a creamy white sauce.

Classic Style - Martinborough Chardonnay.