2020 Forrest Chardonnay

Fruit intensity and flavour complexity are determined in the vineyard; here we exploit known flavour differences between Chardonnay clones and two distinctly different vineyard sites. The Wairau River Valley; gravel rich, free draining and devigourating soil profile and our Southern Valleys vineyard, a very special site with geologically older soils composed of crushed river stones, intermixed with clay.

The grapes were machine harvested over a 7 day period, with 100% of the juice being put into new and older oak barriques for high solids primary and secondary malolactic fermentation prior to 10 month yeast autolysis maturation. 

Aromas of lemon, peach, oat biscuit, toffee apple, toasted almonds, freshly ground spice and subtle nutty oak lead to a rich, weighty palate, balanced with a seamless acidity, ensuring longevity.