Elspeth Chardonnay 2005
| Vintage: 2005 Awards : 4½ STARS -Michael Cooper's Wine Buyer's Guide 2008 4 STARS - Cuisine Magazine 2007 4 STARS - Wineorbit Magazine July 2007 Tasting Note: The grapes for this wine were grown on low yielding vines (of the superior budwood clones 15, 95, 2/23 and Mendoza) from two specially selected vineyards enjoying differing soils and microclimates on the Heretaunga Plains, Hawkes Bay. The grapes were handpicked, destemmed and free-run juice cool-fermented in quality French oak barriques, followed by aging for ten months with frequent lees stirring. Thirty percent of the wine was treated to malolactic fermentation for enhanced flavour and complexity. In terms of vineyard expression the grapes from our inland Mere Road Vineyard, in the stony free-draining soils of the Gimblett Gravels, exhibits structure, texture and mineral undertones whilst the slightly cooler coastal Meanne Vineyard on sandy soils exudes lush fruit flavours and crisp acidity. Both vineyard parcels were kept separate throughout the winemaking process and blended prior to bottling in judicious proportions for optimal harmony and balance. This refined Chardonnay has exceptional complexity and a silken texture with ripe mouthfilling peach, pear and citrus flavours, a delicate seasoning of spicy oak and a rich, long, crisp finish. Already delicious, it will flourish with cellaring. |