Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay

Growing Region: Moutere, Nelson, New Zealand

Owner/ Winemaker: Patrick Stowe

TASTING NOTE:
If you have never had the pleasure of visiting Nelson, make sure you put it on your life's to-do-list. Nelson is a beautiful place, a great pace of life and they are creating some very dynamic and exciting varietal wines like this Chardonnay in particular.

Patrick Stowe has an energy and passion for life that is evident in all that he does, from his vision of turning a fruit orchard into a vineyard and the pure pleasure he has for sharing his thoughts on grape growing, winemaking and the range of wines that have such great drinkability in their youth and the potential to age gracefully. The grapes for this wine were hand-picked and whole-bunch pressed, followed by cool fermentation in 225 litre French barriques, 100% barrel fermented in oak, with 50% being new. The wine was also routinely stirred on its lees for 11 months, giving the wine another dimension on the palate.

In the glass you have a bright golden colour looking back at you. The bouquet has lively pear, citrus and toasted creme brulee notes.

Then comes the palate which is fresh and vibrant; smooth round and generous. A nicely layered wine with elegant sweet nut and toasted oak flavours shining through with mineral notes that echo on the long and impressive finish.

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

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:
Perfect wine match with poultry, veal and pork, rich seafood and pasta dishes, enjoy.

Important to serve at 12-14C, and with good friends.