2024 F-Series Chardonnay

Vintage 2024

A very dry Winter lead into an unsettled Spring, with some late frost events. The vines responded by growing with less vigour than usual, until early Summer, which provided excellent conditions for vegetative growth. The weather during flowering was variable, causing reduced crop-levels for some varieties in some locations, although Riesling seemed to avoid the worst of this and produced yields in line with target. The dry summer really started to become evident in January, with prudent irrigation becoming crucial to maintain vine health. The weather in February continued to be hot and dry. Come harvest, the temperature dropped significantly, and the rain stayed away, creating perfect conditions for fruit ripening.

Vineyard

Fruit was sourced from two Vineyards in the Wairau Valley. One grown on deep silts in the Woodburn area, the other in the Western Rapaura where the soils are made up of ex-riverbed gravels. Both sights are planted with Clone 95 which are 20-25yrs yrs of age.  The vines are trained using a 2-cane or 2-cordon VSP system. Yields are restricted to ensure quality and concentration in the wines.

Winemaking

Due to the warm growing season, ripening came on quickly and a keen eye was kept on acid levels which in the end, held nicely. Fruit was carefully hand harvested on the 13th and 15th March, making for an early start to harvest. Bunches were whole bunch pressed to manage acid levels. The juices were then racked to 500 litre Puncheons (15% new).

Tasting Note

Subtle aromatics of stone fruits such as white peach and nectarine. Some inviting brioche/creamy elements derived from extended lees contact. The palate is dry, with a refined purity which strikes the balance between the acid, fruit profile and some textural elements. 

Up to ten years' cellaring potential. 

Food Match

Chardonnay is versatile when it comes to pairing with food, but it really shines is when matched with a variety of soft cheeses such brie and camembert through to bolder wash rind. Seafood, particularly cray and shellfish are a go to. White meat such as Roast Pork and poultry with a rich jus also work well.