Reserve Chardonnay 2006
| Vintage: 2006 Tasting Note: The grapes (of superior budwood clones 15 and 95) for this wine were grown in our coastal Meeanee vineyards of Hawkes Bay, sited on free-draining sandy soils with a temperate maritime climate and gentle cooling sea breezes, ideal conditions for this grape variety. The vines were pruned and managed for low yields to produce exceptional quality grapes with intense flavours. Harvesting took place at ideal ripeness, between 6 to 11 April. The wine was 100% barrel fermented and aged in French and American oak barriques for ten months with frequent lees stirring for added complexity. Fourty percent of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation for enhanced texture and flavour. Bottling took place on 14th of March 2007. This rich smooth full bodied Chardonnay is packed with tropical stonefruit, rock melon and cashew nut flavours, complimented with a delicate seasoning of spicy oak, finely balanced acidity and a lovely creamy texture. It lingers to a satisfyingly long dry finish. Delicious now it will also mature gracefully for several years. |