Delta Marlborough Chardonnay 2021

Description

• French oak
• Ripe fig & stone fruit
• Macadamia & nougat
• Lengthy finish

Pale golden. Aromas of ripe fig, lemon zest and vanilla pod. Fresh fig and ripe stone fruits form a fruity palate, balanced with subtle vanilla spice and caramel on the finish. The 2021 Chardonnay is elegant and concentrated, with a complex palate of white nectarine, macadamia nuts and creamy nougat with a lengthy finish.

These select Chardonnay grapes were sourced from Marlborough's Lower Wairau Valley. This area is is old riverbed with fast draining, alluvial soils.

The 2021 vintage started with cool spring weather, which extended the length of flowering, leading to open bunches with reduced potential disease pressure. Lower crop levels led to increased intensity of flavours within the grapes. Ripening steadily throughout the growing period, this fruit was continually monitored until the right balance of flavour and physiological ripeness was attained. The grapes were machine harvested in the cool of the night to retain freshness.

Once transported to the winery, the grapes were pressed, lightly settled and inoculated with a selected yeast strain. The wine was fermented in seasoned French oak barriques, and underwent full malolactic conversion to enhance the secondary characters of cream, nougat and vanilla spice. The barrels had regaular lees stirring and Heather's preferred barrels were selected for the final blend before light fining and filtration.

Food Pairing: An ideal wine to enjoy with pan seared white fish and creamy potato bake.