Rabbit Island Nelson Chardonnay 2019

Wine Analysis

The Vineyards

The Rabbit Island Vineyard is situated on a wide river flat. The soil is gravelly sandy loam which is very sandy and free draining. These vineyards range in age from six years to 32 years and are about 1.5 kilometres from the sea, which helps moderate temperatures.

Our Redwood Valley 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 2019 Nelson Rabbit Island Chardonnay was picked in pristine health when late summer conditions persisted in to the autumn months. 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 wine was blended, stabilised, and finally bottled in its youth capturing the fresh characters of this wine.

Tasting Note

The 2019 Rabbit Island Nelson Chardonnay is a refreshing unoaked style. The wine has delicate floral notes, together with clean citrus on the palate. The wine is dry with a lovely minerality on the palate wrapping around the chardonnay fruit. 

"Fruit forward and attractively fragrant, the bouquet shows golden peach, pineapple and citrus peel characters, followed by a succulent palate that's smooth and supple. It's well balanced by bright acidity, finishing lingering and creamy. At its best: now to 2021."

86 Points - Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, March 2020