Chardonnay 2019
Neck of the Woods:
Central Otago.
W I N E M A K I N G & V I T I C U L T U R E
The Chardonnay grapes were hand harvested on the 28th of March, and whole-bunch pressed to a settling tank before going to barrel the next day with light solids.
The wine was fermented and aged in fine grain French oak barriques (20% new) for 9 months with minimal stirring to aid the malolactic fermentation.
Dartmoor, Hawkes Bay.
- Climate: Semi-Continental
- Clones: 75% - B95 and 25% - 548
- Oak treatment: 100% French oak barrique fermentation with 20% new oak
- Vineyards: 100% single vineyard Bannockburn
- Soils: Located on the Cairnmuir side of Bannockburn, the soils of this 1ha vineyard are characterised by gravels and sandy loam.
- Wine Analysis: pH 3.31, TA 5.8g/l
- Harvest data: 22 Brix and pH 3.20g/l and TA 7.8g/l Malic 3.0g/l
- Bottling date: 28/1/20 Total
- Bottles Produced: 2596
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Tasting Notes
TA pale lemon hue with aromas of citrus zest, nutmeg and freshly squeezed meyer lemon. The palate is taut and youthful with great synergy showing between the acidity, punchy citrus fruit and silky texture. A classic cool climate Chardonnay with tremendous energy and freshness that is rounded out by a judicious use of oak adding length and shape to the wine. This is a racy young wine that will reward patience now as it changes beautifully in the glass and also later as it develops in the bottle. This Chardonnay was made with care to reflect its Bannockburn origins - a magical subregion that is known for serious and enduring wine. A perfect Chardonnay for those times of contemplation and equally for those moments when you don 't want to take life too seriously.
Sir Joseph Banks Celebrity Naturalist, Charismatic, Explorer, Player
We’re inspired by pioneers. By those who aren’t afraid to take risks and do things differently. Who stay true to what they believe. And we dedicate every one of our vintages to a groundbreaking, rule-defying character that followed their passion and forged their own path.
We don’t talk about Banks much anymore. But back in the day, he was a rockstar in his field. The poster boy of plants. The Boss of Botany.
As it turns out, Banks had a taste for the exotic and was very, very thorough in his exploration down under. His natural charm and curiosity made him popular with the locals. And soon enough his studies of plants gave way to intimate studies of the people. But he still found the time to discover more than 300 species of flora and fauna, and after seeing locals ride the ocean waves with wooden boards, he introduced the concept of surfing to Europe. Our Chardonnay is a tribute to this rock star naturalist. His passion for discovery drives us to push boundaries, experiment and never settle.
