Vineyard
A single vineyard wine, grapes were sourced from the Thainstone vineyard situated near the Wairau River, in the heart of the Wairau Valley. This vineyard has some of the oldest Chardonnay vines in the Marlborough region and is renowned for producing premium grapes consistently year after year. The vineyard is comprised of stony, free draining Rapaura soils of low natural fertility. A single clone chardonnay vineyard with Scott Henry trellis assisting in producing high quality fruit. Season 05/06
We had a warm end of winter/early spring, however we also had a few cold snaps and the fruit set for Chardonnay was lowered by these cold periods. There followed a very warm period through until Xmas, and after Xmas the weather was colder than normal. This was a good thing as the cold period allowed the grapes to fully ripen in a slow fashion, and retain their taut cool climate characteristics (a saving grace for the vintage in our view). The Chardonnay tonnage off this block was lower than normal,about 2.5 tonnes per acre were harvested in perfect condition. Harvest
All grapes for this wine were harvested in one day in a healthy and fully ripe condition on 25 March 2006. Vinification
The fruit was immediately transported to the winery and on arrival transferred directly into the press. The grapes were then given a light press resulting in a low extraction of free run and lightly pressed juice. This juice was cold settled for 48 hours then racked and an aromatic strain of yeast was added. All fermentation was carried out in stainless steel tanks and after fermentation remained for some time in contact with the yeast lees prior to bottling. A small proportion of the wine went through a secondary malolactic fermentation to soften acidity, yet retain that cool climate crispness. Tasting Notes
Pale straw with green hints. The nose exhibits stone fruit and citrus characters including peach and nectarines. On the palate the flavours are crisp, clean and upfront combined with that hallmark textured cool climate mouth feel. This is all balanced by crisp acidity with a lifted clean finish and creamy texture.
A restrained and elegant style of un-oaked Marlborough Chardonnay.
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