Seifried Nelson Chardonnay 2019

Vineyard: Seifried Brightwater Vineyard
Sugar at Harvest: 23.7°Brix
Date of Harvest: Mid March 2019
pH of Wine: 3.40
T.A of Wine: 4.8g/L
Residual Sugar of Wine: 2g/L
Suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans: Yes

The Vineyards

Our Brightwater Vineyard is exceptionally stony with free draining soils, which is very hard on the farm equipment. The large stones however are vital for holding the warmth of the Nelson sun and for ripening the grapes. Lively fruit characters are evident in fruit harvested from this block.

Winemakers Note

The ‘hen and chicken’ berries of the Mendoza clone of Chardonnay used in this blend give full tropical flavours. The fruit was harvested, brought to the winery and pressed immediately then cooled for a 24 hour settling period.

Following this, the juice was racked and warmed for inoculation. Primary alcoholic fermentation occurred in stainless steel tanks with the young wine then being gravity fed into one, two and three year old French barriques. The Chardonnay then underwent malolactic fermentation in spring 2019 in barrel. Barrels were hand stirred regularly to build palate weight and structure. The wine then sat on lees for a total of 13 months or so before being racked from barrique, blended and prepared for bottling.

Tasting Note

The Seifried Nelson Chardonnay is from the outstanding 2019 vintage. The season was hot and dry, with fruit coming in looking perfect. The wine is rich and ripe with stonefruits and spice on the nose. The palate is smooth and velvety with layers of tropical fruit and nutty characters leaving a generous warm finish. 

“Beautifully fruited and inviting, the bouquet shows golden peach, vanilla, roasted hazelnut and brioche characters on the nose. It’s equally appealing on the palate, displaying succulent fruit intensity.”
91pts -  Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, June 2020