Winemakers Collection Nelson Barrique Fermented Chardonnay 2006 - Cellar Release

NOT AVAILABLE FOR AUSTRALIA SHIPPING 

Awards 

GOLD Medal - New Zealand International Wine Show 2007
Silver Medal - Royal Easter Show Wine Awards 2008
Silver Medal - Bragato Wine Awards 2007
4.5 Star Winestate Magazine August 2007

Wine Analysis

Vineyard: Seifried Rabbit Island Vineyard
Sugar at Harvest: 24.0°Brix
Date of Harvest: 1 April 2006
pH of Wine: 3.51
T.A of Wine: 6.2g/L

The Vineyard

The Rabbit Island vineyard is stony and silty with a very gravelly sub surface. The ground is free draining, friable and easy to work, giving a light and intensely varietal crop. The Mendoza clone of Chardonnay, with “hen and chicken” bunches is no exception.

The canopy was extensively leaf plucked during the summer while the grapes were developing, allowing light and air movement around the fruit zone and helping to develop the lovely citrus and passionfruit flavours.

Winemakers Note

The “hen and chicken” berries of the Mendoza clone of Chardonnay give full tropical flavours. The grapes for this Chardonnay were grown adjacent to the winery. The fruit was harvested and brought to the winery where it was immediately pressed and cooled for a 24 hour settling period. Following this the juice was racked and warmed before inoculation. Once the ferment was active it was gravity fed to one year old French and American barriques. The wine completed primary fermentation in oak before undergoing malolactic fermentation. During these fermentations the barrels were hand stirred every 2 weeks to build palate weight and structure. Following this the wine was left sitting on lees for a further 10 months before being racked from barrique and prepared for bottling in July 2007.

Tasting Note

This is a well structured weighty Chardonnay with elegant fine features. The nose is rich, ripe and toasty with luscious toffee notes. A supple creamy palate with spicy oak and yeasty characteristics to compliment ~ a lovely long and seamless finish.