Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay

Growing Region: Wairau Valley, New Zealand

Head Winemaker: Patricia Miranda

TASTING NOTE:
It is always interesting to taste a wine made from different clones of Chardonnay and due to the unique cool climate location of the vineyards - this wine is made from 6 sometimes 7 clones. To craft such a complex wine the fruit from selected sites and rows was hand-picked and then gently whole bunch pressed. A portion was placed into stainless steel tanks for fermentation, then transferred into French oak barrels.

The other portion was fermented in second and third year old French oak barrels using different strains of yeast. Both were lee stirred regularly while ageing for over 12 months. Twenty percent of the barrels underwent Malolactic fermentation while being closely monitored. Each parcel was fermented in separate batches in an effort to highlight flavour diversity of clonal character and thereby enhance complexity.

In the glass you are greeted by a fairly pronounced yellow colour, the nose has developed considerably, but still showing a bright nutty bouquet. The palate has a concentration of fresh fruit, integrated toasty oak with firm, balanced acidity. The wine has layers of citrus and green apples, subtle floral notes as well as honey rounding out the palate complexity and adding to a lingering finish. Serve at 8-10C.

CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Drinking perfectly well this coming summer; and over the coming 12-18 months.

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:
Perfect wine match with bbq pork, creamy chicken cuisine and mature brie, enjoy.

Layers of flavour and personality.