2019 Forrest Chardonnay

Fruit intensity and flavour complexity are determined in the vineyard; here we exploit known flavour differences between Chardonnay clones and two distinctly different vineyard sites. The Wairau River Valley; gravel rich, free draining and devigourating soil profile and our Southern Valleys vineyard, a very special site with geologically older soils composed of crushed river stones, intermixed with clay.

The grapes were machine harvested over a 7 day period, with 50% of the press free-run juice being put into new and older oak barriques for high solids primary and secondary malolactic fermentation prior to 10 month yeast autolysis maturation. The remaining 50% of the juice was cool fermented in stainless steel tanks with some oak staves and aged with yeast lees stirring.

Bright straw-yellow in colour, the bouquet is seamless with aromas of delicious lemon pudding and stone-fruit, framed with biscuity, mealy nuances. The palate has medium weight with a beautiful creamy mouth feel, balanced with vibrant acidity, exuding flavours of buttery pastry and an almond, pear tarte tatin, enveloped with subtle French oak. The wine has great length with the minerality lingering on the finish.