This wine is crafted to showcase the elegant flavours achieved in the Bridge Pa triangle of Hawkes Bay while also providing the complexity, structure. This wine was designed to be a nod to the older big, ‘oaky’ stlye of Chardonnay.

Fruit:

All single estate grown, Bridge Pa Triangle.

A blend of Chardonnay (Clone 95 (65%), Clone 15 (35%)).

Winemaking:

This Chardonnay was fully barrel femented, 35% new oak with the balance in seasoned French oak barrels.

Comprising of nice batches of Chardonnay, each batch was treated separately in the winery with some batches fermented on full solids and others from cleaner juice.

80% of this blend went through malolactic fermentation.

This variation in batches creates complexity in the wine as each barrel is kept separate for 7months before deciding final blending components. Once blended it is put back to barrel for an additional 6months to intergrate. All barrels were lees stirred for the first 5months in barrel, this is to add complexity and build palate weight and richness.

All while still respecting the fruit and elegant Ash Ridge house style.

Harvested: 6th March and 25th March 2017

Bottled: 15th August 2018;

Alcohol: 12.0%

pH: 3.56

Sensory Evaluation:

Colour: Light Gold

Aroma: Elegant stone fruit aromatics with some toast, vanilla, carmel.

Palate: Peach and nectarine with citrus undertone, rich full bodied mouthfeel and elegant oak.

Food Matches:

This wine is a perfect companion to chicken and pork dishes, as well as rich seafood dishes.

Cellaring:

This wine is ready for drinking now, and will cellar well for up to 7 years.