Rabbit Island Nelson Chardonnay 2024

86 Points (4 Stars) - Wine Orbit, October 2023, New Zealand

Vineyard: Seifried Brightwater vineyard
Sugar at Harvest: 22.4°Brix
Date of Harvest: Mid March 2024
PH of Wine: 3.32
T.A of Wine: 7g/L
Residual Sugar: 3 g/L
Suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans: Yes

The Brightwater vineyard is situated 15 km from the coast and is sheltered from the south by the Richmond Ranges. The 'soil' is a combination of rocks and boulders, which is very hard on farm equipment, but vital for holding the warmth of Nelson's sun and for ripening the grapes.

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 Chardonnay for our 2024 Nelson Rabbit Island Chardonnay was picked in pristine health when late summer conditions persisted in to the autumn months. The grapes were then 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 wine was blended, stabilised, and finally bottled in its youth capturing the fresh characters of this wine.