The cool but sunny environment of the Kidnappers Vineyard near Hawkes Bay and its shallow, warm clay loam soils allow the development of intense Chardonnay flavors in the grapes, which are captured using the traditional winemaking techniques of the Chablis region of France. Grapes are hand harvested and whole-bunch pressed before undergoing fermentation in stainless steel, closed oak tanks and new French oak puncheons. The wine is matured on the lees in oak barrels before bottling.

93 Points
jamessuckling.com
2018 vintage
Harvest Note
The 2018 vintage was marked by warm and dry conditions throughout the growing season with late-season rains delaying ripening for the second straight year.
Tasting Note
Pale lemon straw with faint green hue. Complex and refreshing aromatics of melon rind, sea spray, honeysuckle and a hint of beeswax. Very precise across the palate with ripe citrus and subtle oak highlights and a long, texturally dry and almost saline-like finish.
Food Pairing
A delicious companion to a variety of shellfish dishes.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Chardonnay
APPELLATION: Hawkes Bay
PH: 3.45
ACIDITY: 5.65 g/L
ABV: 12.5%
AGING: Aged for 10 months in 15% new French oak barrels before fining and filtering.
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION: Partial
Unique Selling Points
  • This cool climate wine's juicy, bright and fresh aromas and flavors are a perfect compliment to shellfish and seafood.
  • This single-vineyard Chardonnay has an elegant, balanced and refined character.
  • In the traditional Chablis style, this wine is made from whole clusters, and is fermented and aged in stainless steel tank, large French oak vats and puncheons.

About the Grape

Chardonnay
Though it has a distinctive profile, Chardonnay reflects other factors such as soil composition and vinification technique. Chardonnay is a reliable, hardy and prolific vine whose only real vulnerabilities are frost and uneven development of fruit.
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