DESCRIPTION
Winemakers Notes
Gisborne had a stunner of a year in 2020. Our Gisborne Chardonnay (73%) Viognier (27%) is entirely sourced from Doug Bell’s vineyard at the base of the Hexton Hills. The chardonnay component was vinified in stainless steel tanks, while the Viognier was fermented in seasoned French oak barrels. The Chardonnay component gives the wine focus and familiarity while the Viognier component adds weight and richness along with breadth and length of flavour. The Viognier also brings a hint of exotica to the assemblage.
Analysis
| Alc | 13% |
| Acid | 7.0g/L |
| Res Sugar | 7.1 g/L |
| pH | 3.45 |
Tasting Notes
| Colour: | This wine is pale gold in its youth, but with time will develop straw and deeper gold tints. |
| Bouquet: | Stonefruit dominates the nose, peaches, nectarines, apricots. Mingled with this are floral notes (lemon flower and orange flower) backed by gentle spice notes. |
| Palate: | Viognier gives weight and richness on the start, then the Chardonnay component kicks in, focusing and giving structure to the palate. |
Cellaring
The previous 2 vintages of the wine, 2007 & 2010, both drank well up to 5 years from vintage.
Food Matches
Brilliant with fish, seafood, poultry and pork.
Suggested Wine List Description
In the absence of oak, the varietal characters come shining through. Lush melon and grapefruit aromas dominate the bouquet. The palette is filled with an avalanche of intense, ripe tropical fruit flavours that develop with every sip.
Independent Reviewer's Comment
Charming and friendly, this approachable wine shows apricot, Gala apple, orange peel and subtle spice notes on the nose. The palate displays succulent fruit flavours and rounded mouthfeel, well supported by juicy acidity, finishing long and fruity. At its best: now to 2022. Sam Kim, Nov 2020
