Area: Hawkes Bay
Winemaker: Paddy Preston & Tim Preston
Alcohol: 14%
Awards: SILVER - Royal Easter Wine Show 2009

The grapes (of superior budwood clones) were sourced from two sub-districts (1) our cooler coastal Meeanee vineyards on sandy soils, for their pronounced fruit aromas and flavours, and (2) from our warmer inland site at Mere Road vineyards on stony soils, contributing minerality, structure and body.

The vines were managed for low yields to produce grapes of exceptional quality. Harvesting took place on the 5th and 16th of April at ideal ripeness.

The juice was 100% barrel fermented (30% French and 70% American oak), of which 1/3rd was in new oak, with frequent lees stirring for enhanced complexity. Thirty percent of the wine was then treated to malolactic fermentation. The entire parcel was thereafter barrel-aged for 10 months, then blended and bottled under screwcap during June 2008.

This rich full bodied Chardonnay is packed with peach, tropical stonefruit, and fig flavours, complimented with vanilla and butterscotch notes, toasty oak seasoning, finely balanced acidity and a lovely creamy texture. It lingers to a satisfyingly long warm dry finish. Delicious now, it will also mature gracefully for several years.

Source: millsreef.co.nz