Tohu Nelson Chardonnay 2025

Description

Apple, Nougat, Oak

"This is delightfully fruited and elegantly expressed on the nose with aromas of ripe peach, rock melon, citrus peel, and roasted cashews. The palate displays juicy fruit flavours, a creamy mouthfeel, and well-integrated acidity, leading to a lingering, succulent finish. At its best: now to 2029" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

This Nelson Chardonnay displays aromas of lemon zest, ripe nectarine and subtle flinty, mineral notes from use of French oak. On the palate flavours of white peach, bright citrus and notes of toasted hazelnut take this medium bodied and elegantly textured wine to a lusciously long and persistent finish.

The grapes for this wine are sourced from vineyards located in both the Moutere Hills and the Coastal Tasman subregions of Nelson. The clay formed Moutere Hills produce wines that are characterised by weighty, complex structure; while the moderating maritime influence on the Coastal Tasman area produces wines with vibrancy and elegance. The 2024/2025 growing season began with an by early budburst, leading to a longer ripening window. A warm, sunny summer followed with low rainfall, which reduced disease pressure in the fruit; while cool nights helped to preserve balancing acidity.

Premium parcels of Chardonnay grapes were transported to the winery where they were gently pressed using a modern membrane press. After pressing the resulting juice was moved to a combination of stainless steel tanks and French oak barrels for fermentation with purposely selected yeasts. After the primary yeast fermentation was completed, the wine underwent secondary malolactic fermentation on yeast lees. Aging on seasoned French oak for 10 months allowed richness and weight to develop in the wine, before being bottled without fining in mid-March 2026.