Click for larger image | Vintage: 2005
Varieties: Chardonnay
Area: Hawkes Bay
Winemaker: Paddy Preston and Tim Preston
Alcohol %: 14
Tasting Note: The grapes for this finely balanced wine (of superior budwood clones 15 and 95) were grown in our coastal Meanee vineyard of Hawkes Bay. Situated on free-draining sandy soils in a temperate maritime climate with gentle cooling sea breezes, these grapes enjoy conditions ideally suited to this variety.
The vines were pruned and managed for low yields, producing exceptional quality grapes with intense flavours and ideal ripeness at harvest. The wine was 100% barrel fermented and aged in French oak barriques for nine months with frequent lees stirring to add complexity. Thirty percent of the wine also underwent malolactic fermentation for enhanced texture and flavour.
This refined Hawkes Bay Chardonnay exudes concentrated pear, grapefruit and stone fruit flavours, a delicate seasoning of spicy oak, with finely balanced acidity and a lovely creamy texture on the palate. A complex harmonious wine, it lingers to a satisfyingly long dry finish. Delicious now it will also mature gracefully for several years.
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