Valli Waitaki Chardonnay 2022

Tasting Notes: “The limestone-rich soils influence both the shape and the flow of this wine with synergy between the tautly textured mid-palate and the racy acidity that gives it length. The nose is immediately complex with lemon zest, green apple, lime, hazelnut, and a distinctive savoury note that is derived from the high solids fermentation. On the palate, the citrus flavours are in harmony with the incredible satiny texture. The wine is a juxtaposition of intensity and subtlety with real fruit purity at the core. Made in small quantities, this Chardonnay is immediately intriguing and should continue to evolve for 12+ years.” – Jen Parr

Winemaking Notes: Harvested on 20th and 29th April 2022, from 11 year old vines. 294 dozen total production. This vintage we trialed an early pick for extreme freshness (approximately 13% of the final wine), with the balance picked nine days later. The small bunches were hand-harvested and whole bunch pressed for gentle extraction. The pressed juice was warmed in tank, homogenized and put directly to barrel in order to benefit from the full solids during fermentation. The wine was fermented in French oak barriques (25% new) with weekly stirring through malolactic fermentation. It was blended at 11 months and bottled without filtration. Natural sediment may occur.

Alcohol: 13.0%

Variety: Chardonnay

Region: Waitaki Valley, North Otago, New Zealand