"Giesen Estate Chardonnay 2017 Hawkes Bay: Ripe, fruity, soft and gentle bouquet with aromas and flavours of white peach, red apple and a gentle layer of vanilla and wood spice. Mild creamy texture with contrasting acidity and fruit flavours that copy the nose. Balanced, refreshing and well made. Drink now and through 2021." Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier

A classic style of Chardonnay with stacks of luscious ripe peach and nectarine. Fresh and vibrant with a luscious texture, spicy cedar finish and generous oak influence.

Blended from cool-climate vineyards throughout Marlborough and Waipara. The fruit selected from Marlborough adds a textural element, richness, citrus flavours and ageability to the wine. Waipara gives us our fabulous floral aromatics. The 2017 growing season in Hawke’s Bay was hot and dry right up until the end of February, then there was quite a bit of rainfall. Through excellent vineyard and viticultural management, the vineyards weathered the wet weather well, going on to produce some very beautiful Chardonnay fruit.

Once harvested the fruit was pressed, settled & racked in Hawke’s Bay to ensure there is no compromise to the quality of the fruit, then transported down to Giesen’s winery in Marlborough. A portion of the blend was put to barrel (1,000L German Fuder oak barrels & 300L French oak) and the balance was fermented in tank. Inoculated with classic Burgundian Chardonnay yeast. Aged on lees in French oak for 6 months prior to blending. There was no malolactic fermentation for the 2017 vintage.

Food Pairing: Giesen winemakers suggest pairing the Estate Chardonnay with seared pork loin and seasonal roasted vegetables.