2008 CHARDONNAY

WINEMAKING NOTES

The fruit for this wine is a blend of Mendoza( 29.5%), Clone 15 (34%), Clone 95(31%) and Clone 6 (5.5%)Chardonnay, which was grown in the stony sandy soils of the lower terrace at Askerne Vineyard. The fruit was hand harvested, sorted then pressed with factions kept separate. The wine was fermented and aged for 9 months in French (92%) and American (8%) oak barrels, 23.5 % of which was new. Lees stirring was undertaken to develop mealy, nutty characters. 55 % of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation.

ANALYSIS

pH   3.55

Ta 6.8 g/l

Alcohol 13.5 %

Residual sugar 1 g/l

TASTING NOTES

The resulting wine continues the elegant complex style pursued in our handling of this variety. Mealy, nutty characters are evident on the nose together with grapefruit, stone fruit and smoky oak. These flavours flow through to the palate, which reflects an excellent balance of clean fruit with well integrated oak. The wine is elegant with a good depth of flavour making it an excellent food wine. Aging potential 3-5 years. The wine will complement fish, chicken and pork dishes.

AWARDS

Bronze Medal Royal Easter Show 2009