Rock Ferry Marlborough Chardonnay 2007

  

Clone:                        Mendoza

 

Vineyard:                 The Corners
 

Region:                      Wairau Plains, Marlborough. The vineyard is situated within an ancient bend of the Opawa River and the name The Corners in fact refers to the shape of the road which follows this old river channel.

 

Vintage:                     The 2007 vintage was a classic Marlborough vintage. Cool temperatures over flowering (late Nov-early Dec) resulted in lower yields but this ultimately meant more concentrated and intense fruit flavours. The ripening to harvest period was characterised by warm, dry disease-free weather allowing optimal harvest conditions where grapes where picked on ripeness and flavours.
Viticulture:              Our aim is best summed up by 'fine wine begins with the vine'. Our approach is through organic and bio-dynamic viticulture (The Corners Vineyard is in conversion to BioGro certification) where we strive for balance in the vineyard. This ultimately provides grapes that are a reflection of our particular site.

Winemaking:           Hand harvested and whole bunch pressed, juice cold settled, fermented in French oak (50% new, 50% old) 

 Yeast:                         50% cultured (D47), 50% indigenous

 

Maturation:               In barrel         Duration:  10 months

 

Tasting Notes:         Toasted hazelnut, Brioch, ripe nectarine and stone fruit aromas. Concentrated flavours of stone fruits, peach and toasted oak. Full flavoured with a luscious mouth-feel and texture.        

Food Match:             Roux based sauces with veal and chicken

 Cellaring:                 Recommended 6 years.

Technical:                 alc  13.5 %,       RS 1.7 g/l

Bottling Date:          March 2008

Winemaker:              Allan McWilliams