Chard Farm Judge & Jury Central Otago Chardonnay 2018

Description

• Nutty oak
• Fresh figs
• Fleshy white stone fruit
• Subtle brioche

An inviting and complex bouquet of wild flowers, fresh figs and hazelnut on a bed of fleshly white stone fruit aromas leads seamlessly into mouth filling stone fruit and nutty flavours. The palate has wonderful texture, balance and poise; finishing with subtle citrus and brioche notes. Delicious, balanced and long.

The Judge & Jury Chardonnay is grown on steep slope overlooking the Tiger vineyard in Lowburn. Chardonnay grown on this site produces the same aromatically spicy/floral profiles found in the Pinot Noir grown here, as well as similar persistence and very long lived flavours. The palate length shows rich mineral acid and saline notes that combine beautifully with the citrus and white stonefruit flavours.

The winemaking team are keeping the crop load very low and the wine is mostly fermented in tank while a small portion is made in barrel. The result is a wine that is tight, refreshingly pure and mineral driven, showcasing cool climate fruit where the oak is very much in the background. Best from 2020 on.