Seasonal Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2019

The palate is generous in both weight and flavour with a firm oak structure that adds broad shoulders to the otherwise linear palate. Cool climate, natural acidity is retained which provides lift and length. 9 months in barrel with regular lees stirring has imparted a creamy texture, which will develop a subtle oiliness in bottle. Subtle, reductive popcorn notes also provide interest and natural sweetness that offsets the fresh acidity.

Largely from an elevated, cooler vineyard site in Crownthorpe. A Maritime climate, similar Bordeaux, Hawkes Bay has a long, consistent growing season. Taken from Wine Hawkes Bay: The legacy of four major rivers’ historic meanderings, Hawke’s Bay is a virtual kaleidoscope of soil types, creating significant impact on viticulture and wine styles. The densely planted plains are alluvial over gravely subsoils.

Harvest Method: Selective machine harvested to acquire only whole, intact berries. Processing: Whole berries pressed for gentle extraction, followed by cold settling and retention of some juice solids for fermentation complexity. Fermentation: Fermented using indigenous (approx. 20%) and commercial yeasts in French oak barriques (35% new) with no winemaker intervention. Approximately 25% spontaneous MLF.

Maturation 9 months ageing on lees in barrel to impart texture and richness.