Greenhough Road Block Nelson Chardonnay 2020

Description

• Oak spice
• Apricot & tangelo
• Bakery notes
• Rich & creamy

Predominantly from the Morison Vineyard, Hope, planted in 2000, managed organically and BioGro certified since 2014. Clone B95 is planted in the top part of the vineyard where 1-1.5 meters of heavier clays, washed down from the hills immediately behind, overlay the loamy, stony gravels typical of this part of the Waimea Plains. Vines are cane pruned on a single fruiting wire with a target yield of 7-8 tonnes per hectare. Machine harvested and de-stemmed in the vineyard and transferred directly to press. Juice was briefly settled and racked with moderate solids to French oak barriques and puncheons, (15% new) for fermentation. For this vintage all barrels were inoculated with selected yeast. The wine has undergone full secondary malolactic fermentation (MLF) to further soften acidity and enhance mouthfeel.

The 2020 vintage has provided ripe fruit flavours, balance and immediate drinkability. This style is influenced by the softer acidity of clone B95 which imparts charm and accessibility. The nose is deep rather than overt, with aromas of tangelo, apricot and subtle savoury bakery notes. There is a depth of mellow fruit on the front palate with excellent balance and integration of elements. A portion of Hope Vineyard clones UCD15 and Mendoza within the final blend contribute drive and palate length. Typically, citrus fruits are in evidence complimented by melon and yellow-fleshed fruits. A little new oak spice and creamy, barrel-ferment-derived richness compliments the ripe fruit flavours and adds a hint of phenolic/textural interest.