A collation of harvests from splendid vineyards in Te Ika-a-MÄui, Hawkes Bay and Gisborne provide the backbone of fruit. Waipara and Marlborough contribute components at the fruitier end of varietal spectrum. Fashioned to a medium bodied style that's delicately aromatic, soft on the palate and appealingly dry, ideally enjoyed alongside crisp skinned chicken or sticky pork ribs.
Chardonnay is harvested throughout the cool of early morning, parcels are crushed and gently pressed. To ensure a soft and intensely flavoured wine, pressings are kept apart and separately handled. Juices are treated to a long cool vinification in controlled fermenters to retain vitality and crisp fruit characters. An occasional lees stirring and course of malolactic serve to enrich the palate. A select component is filled to a selection of French oak barriques for an extravagant old world style of barrel ferments, adding complexity and infusing textural richness. Upon completion, batches are held on gross lees for several months before assemblage and filtration into the finished wine.
Pale straw hues. Ripe tropical fruits, peach and kernel aromas dominate the bouquet, pear notes with underlying citrus and fig characters. A big palate of stonefruit flavours, crisp apple notes and creamy, mealy textures are supported by well integrated nougat oak. A medium bodied wine that's generous on the bouquet yet soft on the palate, styled for immediate enjoyment right now.
