Forrest Chardonnay 2005
If you just looked at the meteorological data for the 2005 vintage you may conclude, falsely, that it was a rather ordinary vintage – 20% more rainfall, 4% less growing degree days, 0.5ºC, lower summer temperatures, only average sunshine hours and the 2nd coolest December on record. However the timing of these climatic events conspired to assist in the production of physiologically ripe grapes with a stunning array and intensity of flavour. Firstly the cool December flowering period reduced crop levels between 10-30%, thus reducing the need to crop thin and ensuring the grapes ripened evenly with only average sunshine hours. Secondly, the higher seasonal rainfall occurred over the first two thirds of the season, producing healthier vines with less stress and more green leaves available late in the season to assist ripening. Finally, April (harvest) was exceptionally dry, at 5.4mm the second lowest rainfall on record; thus allowing the grapes to finish ripening without weather induced botrytis rot.
Fruit intensity and flavour complexity are determined in the vineyard; here we exploit known flavour differences between Chardonnay clones, 15, 95 and Mendoza restrained crop levels (6.7-8.6 tonne/ha) and our local knowledge of Marlborough’s differing terroir to maximum effect. The grapes were both hand and machine harvested over a 14 day period, with 50% of the press free-run juice being put into new and older oak barriques for high solids primary and secondary malolactic fermentation prior to 12 month yeast autolysis maturation. The remaining 50% of the juice was cool fermented in tanks and aged with yeast lees stirring.
Tasting Notes
The epitome of my style of Chardonnay - fresh vibrant fruit flavours, subtle oak and focused acidity. It abounds with citrus (lemon/grapefruit) and stonefruit (nectarine/white peach) flavours and that lovely yeast lees derived, oaten/toffee biscuit aroma. Soft and harmonious with excellent depth and weight on the palate, the wine will benefit from 2-4 years cellaring. A perfect accompaniment with fresh manuka smoked Marlborough Sounds Moki. |
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