Babich Irongate Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2018

Description

• Barrel-fermented, oaked
• Lemon curd
• White stone fruit
• Sweet pastry

"Babich’s flagship Chardonnay. A stylish wine, Irongate was traditionally markedly leaner and tighter than other top Hawke’s Bay Chardonnays, while performing well in the cellar, but the latest releases have more drink-young appeal. It is based on hand-picked fruit from the shingly Irongate Vineyard in Gimblett Road, fully barrel-fermented (about 20 per cent new), and lees-matured for up to 10 months. Fragrant and finely textured, the 2018 vintage (5*) is a weighty wine, with deep peach and grapefruit flavours, mealy notes adding complexity and a seamless, lingering finish. Fresh, youthful and finely poised, it’s already enjoyable, but likely to be at its best 2022+" Michael Cooper

Yellow in the glass with a hint of gold in the sunlight. The nose shows lemon curd and stone fruits with apple and cashew. A rich and driving entry with lemon and peach on display early joined by notes of sweet pastry, white stone fruits and grapefruit. Bright focus, lovely poise and a very lingering finish.

They have been producing Irongate Chardonnay since 1985 and it has evolved into this richly flavoured, balanced and elegant wine. The vines from this now-famous Gimblett Gravels ‘Irongate’ vineyard are selected at pruning and crop levels are closely monitored to ensure excellent flavour concentration in the grapes.

Food Pairing: Irongate Chardonnay is an intense, richly flavoured wine and is an ideal match for rich seafood and white meat dishes. Try it with char-grilled squid and lemon butter sauce, or barbecued chicken.