Chardonnay

2014 was an excellent vintage in Hawkes Bay, allowing the fruit to be picked unhurried at optimal ripeness. The grapes for this superior Chardonnay were sourced from our ultra-premium vineyard site at Mere Road Vineyard.

The fruit was handpicked between 13 and 15 March 2014, whole-bunch pressed and placed into barrel for alcoholic fermentation with specially selected yeasts, allowing 13% to ferment spontaneously.

Approximately 25% of the wine was subsequently put through malolactic fermentation to bring enhanced and softened texture. Both the MLF andthe non-malo portion were blended, and aged in quality oak (91% French, 23% new) for 11 months sur lie, with frequent stirring to release important flavour components.

Stringent barrel selection followed in February 20145 to compose the final wine, before bottling under screwcap on 5 March 2015.

This outstanding Chardonnay from our superior Gimblett Gravel vineyard has striking intensity, complexity and balance. It bursts with tropical peach and cashew notes, with an influence of wild yeast character, complemented with a judicious seasoning of toasty oak, and a creamy texture. Already delicious, it continue to evolve and delight with cellaring.