Sold out in NZ and Australia
Vineyard: Seifried Rabbit Island and Redwood Valley Vineyards
Sugar at Harvest: 22.9°Brix
Date of Harvest: Mid March 2019
pH of Wine: 3.29
T.A of Wine: 6.0g/L
Residual Sugar: 1.16g/L
Suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans: Yes
The Chardonnay fruit for our 2019 Old Coach Road Nelson Unoaked Chardonnay is a blend of fruit from our Rabbit Island and Redwood Valley vineyards.
The Rabbit Island vineyard is situated on a wide river that. The soil is gravelly loam which is very sandy and free draining. These vineyards are about 1.5 kilometres from the sea which helps moderate temperatures.
The unirrigated Redwood Valley vineyard is situated on a gently sloping, north facing clay site; the vines range in age from 10 to 30 years. Vertical shoot positioning helps to expose the berries to sunlight, thus getting maximum intensity and optimal ripeness.
Traditionally Chardonnay is made in an oaked style, however we are often asked: what does Chardonnay as a grape variety with no oak ageing taste like? This is it!
The fruit for our 2019 Old Coach Road Nelson Unoaked Chardonnay came into the winery in perfect condition. The grapes were pressed, and the juice was fermented in stainless steel tanks to capture the natural tropical fruit characters of the grape variety, without influence from oak. The 2019 Old Coach Road Nelson Unoaked Chardonnay has undergone partial maloactic fermentation to soften natural acidity. The wine was then stabilised and bottled in September 2019.
The 2019 Old Coach Road Nelson Unoaked Chardonnay has ripe succulent aromas with blossoms and juicy summer stone fruits. Palate is soft, supple and succulent with warm peach notes, pineapple and hints of citrus. The palate is long generous and lingering.
“fruit forward and immediately appealing on the nose showing rockmelon, mango, pineapple and lemon zest... creamy texture and refreshing acidity, finishing smooth and elegant. ”
87 Points - Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, January 2020