Wairau River Reserve Marlborough Chardonnay

2017

Excellent weather was experienced over flowering producing an even and balanced crop with a vibrant and healthy working canopy. Overall a cooler than average summer resulted in the 2017 vintage being very condensed and harvest was completed within the first two weeks of April. Optimal acid balance and sugar ripeness were reached at an earlier physiological ripeness, producing wines with elegance and poise.

2019

Flowering commenced in the first week of December. During this period the region experienced higher than average rainfall limiting the potential yields. January and February were some of the warmest months on record culminating in one of the earliest harvests seen in the region. Picking began in the first week of March and concluded in the first week of April. The warm and fine weather through the late summer months has allowed the development of a riper spectrum of tropical flavours, providing the winemakers with an extensive array of complimentary blending components from which to assemble the wines.

Flowering commenced in the first week of December. During this period, the region experienced perfect flowering conditions. January to March produced some of the driest months on record culminating in one of the most exceptional harvests ever seen from the region. Picking began in the 2nd week of March and concluded in the second week of April. The drawn-out nature of the harvest allowed the winemakers to pick at optimal balance and sugar ripeness, as well as physiological ripeness. The warm and fine weather through the late summer months has allowed the development of a riper spectrum of tropical flavours. The resulting wines have wonderful fruit concentration and aromatic power.

2022

Grown in the stony soils of our Home vineyard, handpicked fruit was gently pressed into French oak, fermented spontaneously and aged for 11 months. Aromas of ripe stonefruit, flint and citrus zest integrate with bold flavours of vanilla and brioche. The palate is powerful yet elegant expressing the excellent fruit weight balanced by fine acidity.