Elephant Hill Reserve Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2021

Description

Oak, Peach, Spice

"Complex, ripe, vibrant and spicy bouquet with aromas of peaches and lemon pith, a sea air and soil smoke quality then scents of barrel with clove and nutmeg. A lovely weight and mouthfeel with acidity and tannins in harmony with the fruit, flavours reflect the bouquet led by citrus then stone fruit. Well made with excellent drinking from 2024 through 2029" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier, Dec 2024

"Still retaining a whiff of flinty reduction, this taut and sinewy modern expression of chardonnay brings together elegant, mid-weight flavours of green plum, apple, lemon zest and oyster-shell which dry towards the back to dusty oak. A steely core of salinity drives through the palate from start to finish. This stylishly restrained number is just approaching drinkability and will comfortably gain complexity over the mid-term" Stephen Wong, The Real Review, Feb 2025

Elephant Hill produces handcrafted, small batch wines from a blend of up to three sustainably farmed Hawke's Bay vineyards that each contributes a distinctive elemental character of SEA, EARTH & STONE. The RESERVE range showcases classic Hawke's Bay varieties that have spent extended time in barrel and bottle before release, offering readyaged wines for immediate enjoyment.

2021 completes a trifecta of outstanding Hawke’s Bay vintages. Warmer then average overall in early summer and dry through to late summer and a cool dry autumn, helped retain elegance, natural acidity and balance. Fresh, concentrated and complex whites, and pure, ripe and elegant reds. All ageworthy and long lived wines.

100% handpicked Chardonnay, whole bunch pressed and all fermented in French oak barrels (18% new). Aged 11 months in barrel and an extended period in tank on light lees before bottling.