Wild Earth Central Otago Chardonnay 2020

Description

• French oak
• Zingy citrus
• Vanilla & ginger
• Long finish

“A gorgeously styled chardonnay, showing white flesh peach, fig, nougat and roasted hazelnut aromas with subtle oatmeal complexity. It’s wonderfully weighted and supple on the palate with excellent concentration and persistency, making it splendidly appealing and satisfying" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Mar 2021

“A captivating bouquet with aromas of Central Otago wild flowers and rocky outcrops then fruits of peach and lemon and apple. A moderate layer of oak and barrel spice tickles the nose adding complexity and charm along the way. On the palate – soft creamy textures give way to youthful acidity, fresh, crisp fruit flavours, lemon and barrel spices of oak. Plenty of weight and intensity with a core of fruit and youthful, fresh finish in a Chablis-like expression" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier, Feb 2021

“Well worth cellaring, this elegant wine was hand-picked at Pisa and fermented and matured for 10 months in French oak casks (10% new).   Full-bodied, it is fresh and youthful, with strong, vibrant, citrusy flavours, gently seasoned with biscuity oak, and a dry, persistent finish” Michel Cooper, Winestate Magazine, Mar 2021

“Taut, vibrant chardonnay with green apple, citrus, oyster-shell, mineral and delicately nutty yeast lees flavours. A high-energy wine that gives a nod in the direction of Chablis. Should develop well with bottle age” Bob Campbell, Master of Wine, Real Review, Mar 2021

“Bright, light straw-yellow with some depth, even colour throughout. The nose is youthful, with soft and sweet aromas of stonefruit and melon, intermix vanilla and spice. Medium-full bodied, the palate is bright with the concentration of fruit, nuances of mango, melon and stonefruit have an elegant core, unfolding sweet vanilla and a hint of nutmeg. The lush fruit is fragrant and concentrated, supported by a persistent acid line; a chalky fine-textured phenolic mouthfeel brings harmony and texture to a bright finish. This is an intriguing cool-climate Chardonnay with the concentration of tropical fruit and a fine texture. Match with sweet & sour chicken and baked camembert over the next 5 years. Clones 548, Mendoza and B95 from two elevated vineyards in the Pisa subregion, fermented with wild yeast, full solids, fermented and aged in French oak, 10% new oak from premium Troncais forest in France. Minimum stirring and partial MLF” Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Wine Reviews, Feb 2021

There is an enticing combination of freshly squeezed lemon, melon, and pineapple on the nose with a touch of vanilla bean and ginger. The palate is energetic, zesty, and pure with a delightful creamy texture and a long, lingering finish. Zingy citrus gives the wine great focus, and the lovely integrated oak gives ample structure to this memorable Chardonnay. Uniquely textured and fresh in its youth, this wine should develop beautifully for 9+ years.

The Chardonnay grapes came from 2 elevated vineyards in the Pisa subregion, situated at 260m and 350m. Clones 548, Mendoza and B95 are used.

The 2019-2020 growing season was even cooler than the previous season with lower Growing Degree Days than normal. Yields for Chardonnay were approximately 20% down and the lovely, mild weather at harvest gave them the benefit of a long hang time and even ripening. This cooler season showcases “electric” acidity and promises to deliver wines with great aging potential.

The grapes were hand harvested respectively on the 12th and 17th of April 2020. The wine was whole bunch pressed and fermented with wild yeasts on full solids which adds both richness and complexity to the wine. The wine is fermented and aged for 10 months in 10% new French oak from the premium Troncais forest in France; the rest in older French oak. Minimal stirring and partial malolactic fermentation gives the wine a balance of creamy texture and great drive. 

Food Pairing: A fantastic wine to drink on its own but also great with fish, seafood and cuisine with lots of zest!