Our Chardonnay vines grow in three blocks on our Defiance vineyard chosen for the quality of soils and underlying gravels. Our Chardonnay clones (809, 1066 and 548) are the three great clones used by the French Grand Crus of Corton-Charlemagne - considered to represent some of the finest white burgundies. These three clones are designed for blending, with 548 and 1066 producing full bodied wines with complex aromas, the addition of 5 - 10% of 809 provides muscat aromas and a fine well balanced structure.
The grapes were hand harvested between 7th and 9th April 2022 from our Defiance vineyard and were whole bunch pressed to tank before being transferred to French oak barriques to undergo barrel fermentation. Aged in French oak barriques (33% new oak) for 9 months the wine was regularly lees stirred with 100% completing malolactic fermentation.
Our Chardonnay is dry in style, and pale lemon with clear hues in colour. The nose has fragrant aromas of elderflower, lemon curd, white peach, orange blossom and vanilla. The succulent palate is bright with white stone fruit, citrus, with hints of almond and cashew. A complex and concentrated wine with integrated acidity, good mineralogy and hints of oak on the finish.
Food match: Firm flesh fish or seafood and subtly flavoured, simply seasoned poultry or pork dishes. Creamy avocado pasta.
" Elegant and gorgeously styled, the wine shows white flesh stone fruit, nougat, cedar and brioche nuances on the nose. The palate delivers excellent concentration and weight, wonderfully complemented by creamy texture and bright acidity. Stylish and complex with a prolonged refined finish. At its best now to 2030." Sam Kim - Wine Orbit.
"Did someone say Chablis? Crisp but full bodied, creamy but balanced by purity of citrus and stone fruit flavours coupled with vibrant acidity that makes this wine dance on the palate". Joelle Thomson.
"The nose is softly full and delicate, with aromas of spice overlying floral, peach, citrus, baked apple and buttery elements. Medium-full bodied, aromas of peach, lemon-curd, and baked apple entwined with blossom, spice, yoghurt and roasted almonds. The fruit is bright, adorned by oak spice and barrel fermentation details, adding complexity. The elegant acidity persists on a silky mouthfeel and leads to a long and graceful finish". Candice Chow for Raymond Chan Wine Reviews.
Variety | 100% Chardonnay |
Appellation | Central Otago |
Sub Region | Felton Rd, Bannockburn |
Vineyard | Defiance |
Harvest Date | 7th - 9th April 2022 |
Alcohol | 14.5 |
Residual Sugar | Nil |
pH | 3.42 |
TA | 5.2g/l |
Sam Kim - Wine Orbit:
Joelle Thomson: 18.5/20
Candice Chow for Raymond Chan Wine Reviews: 18.5+/20
Mark Henderson: ODT wine reviews: Very good - Excellent
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