Esk Valley, Hawkes Bay

Chenin Blanc 2009

This is a single vineyard wine from the Moteo Terraces Vineyard, situated on a river terrace above the Tutaekuri River near Moteo Pa. This is a free draining site with a northerly aspect, ideal for the production of quality Chenin Blanc. The vines were intensively managed to control yield and vigour and were harvested on 18 and 30 March 2009.

WINEMAKING

The fruit was destemmed, lightly pressed and then gravity fed to both tank and aged oak for fermentation. Cultured yeast was employed for the tank fermentation to capture aromatics while indigenous yeasts were utilized for the barrel ferments. The tank ferment was stopped with a small quantity of residual sugar to balance the natural acidity of the finished blend. The new wines were then left on lees till blending and bottling in September 2009.

WINEMAKER'S COMMENT

This is a medium-bodied white wine with classic Chenin Blanc characters of honey, quince and stonefruit with a mineral-like acidity. The palate is full with a touch of residual sugar balancing the acidity. Although enjoyable as a young wine, our experience with previous vintages suggests that the wine will develop further complexity with two to 10 years ageing.

FOOD MATCH

Ideal with seafood, Asian and Indian-style dishes.

IDEAL DRINKING

Enjoy from 2010 till at least 2019.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Region: Hawkes Bay
Varieties: 100% Chenin Blanc
Alcohol: 12.5%
pH: 3.23
Maturation: 55% barrel ferment in aged barriques and demi-muids
Total acidity: 7.05 gL
Residual sugar: 3.8 gL