Collaboration Aurulent Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2023

Description

• French oak
• Peach & quince
• Fruit spice
• Creamy

"Complex, enticing, layered and intriguing. Aromas and flavours of peaches and quince, heirloom apple and gentle natural fruit spice qualities. Excellent mouthfeel with a chalky almost mealy texture surrounded by fruit and carried by acidity. Well made, lengthy and delicious"  Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier, June 2023

Deep intense citrus character with subtle, understated oak and a fine yeasty, fresh bread dough characteristic. Soft, luscious, creamy and layered on the palate. Lean, bright and fresh with a lingering dry and saline finish.

90% Kokako, Ohiti Valley and 10% Ascot, Havelock North.

Warm from early spring with frosts a rarity. Summer started warm but La Nina produced some February rain which threatened to throw a disease-shaped spanner in the works. However, a return of warm, dry weather before harvest averted disaster and careful handpicking ensured only the top quality grapes were picked.

Hand-picked, whole bunch pressed, natural ferment, 100% malo-lactic fermentation, aged in barrel on lees 8 months, new (28%) and old French oak, individual barrel selection to taste. Unfined & light filtration.