Old Coach Road Nelson Unoaked Chardonnay 2017

Wine Analysis

Vineyard: Seifried Redwood Valley Vineyard
Sugar at Harvest: 22.7°Brix
Date of Harvest: Late March 2017
pH of Wine: 3.44
T.A of Wine: 5.5g/L
Residual Sugar: <1g/L
Suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans: Yes

The Vineyard

The Chardonnay fruit for our 2017 Old Coach Road Nelson Unoaked Chardonnay came from our Redwood Valley Vineyard block. This unirrigated vineyard block is situated on a gently sloping, north facing clay site with the vines ranging in age from 10 to 30 years. Vertical shoot positioning helps to expose the berries to sunlight, thus getting maximum intensity and optimal ripeness.

Winemakers Note

Traditionally Chardonnay is made in an oaked style, however, we are often asked: what does Chardonnay as a grape variety with no oak ageing taste like? This is it!

The Chardonnay for our 2017 Old Coach Road Nelson Unoaked Chardonnay was some of the first fruit picked in 2017. The fruit came into the winery in lovely, clean and healthy condition. The grapes were then pressed, and the juice was fermented in stainless steel tanks to capture the natural tropical fruit characters of the grape variety, without influence from oak. The 2017 Old Coach Road Nelson Unoaked Chardonnay has undergone full maloactic fermentation to soften higher natural acidity the 2017 vintage delivered. The young wine was then stabilised and bottled in July 2017.

Tasting Note

The 2017 Old Coach Road Nelson Unoaked Chardonnay has a clean freshness and yet is smooth and mellow in nature. The nose has ripe peach and citrus notes while the palate is generous and mouth-filling. There is fruit brightness on a background of fresh baked shortbread. The palate is dry, full and flavoursome with a lasting finish.