Mills Reef Elspeth Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2020

Description

• French oak
• Peach & pear
• Orange blossom
• Mouth-filling & warm

This distinguished single vineyard Chardonnay exudes presence and finesse. The palate is wonderfully mouth-filling and warm, with intense aromas of orange blossom and stone fruits intertwined with peach and pear flavours in harmony with fine French oak seasoning leading to a subtle butterscotch, lychee, and pomelo finish. Instantly appealing, enjoy now or allow to age gracefully with careful cellaring.

The grapes for this classical variety were sourced from one of our acclaimed single vineyards, Riverview, overlooking the Ngaruroro River. The 2019/20 growing season in Hawkes Bay enjoyed a climate of consistently warm, clear, sunny days and uniform temperatures. This weather pattern allowed the grapes to develop perfectly and be harvested slowly at optimal ripeness. Six site selected batches were hand harvested starting on 11th March through to the 18th of March.

The juice was barrel fermented with a selection of chardonnay specific yeasts, and a small portion of indigenous yeast, in 100% French oak barrels Then, the wine underwent 35% malolactic fermentation to achieve an integrated buttery texture. Thereafter, each parcel spent sixteen months in oak (40% new French) with frequent lees stirring for enhanced complexity. The final wine was composed from selected barrels and batches to achieve the desired wine style, before bottling under screwcap on the 13th of November 2021.