Chardonnay, Marlborough,

Chardonnay was originally intended to be the star variety of The Marlborist. Produced from three different vineyards: one in the Brancott Valley, more clay based; Auntsville Estate in the Southern Valleys, clay-loam, and a third in the Wairau Valley on alluvial soils. The combination of free-draining soils and naturally low yields produces small, golden bunches of intensely flavoured fruit. Hand-picked and pressed gently to oak (following the Champagne cycle) for fermentation, it was raised in barrel, 30% new Francois Freres for 11 months plus a further 6 months in tank. This Chardonnay is taut and concentrated, with bristling high acidity and plenty of grapefruit and citrus, roasted nuts, brioche and just a touch of nectarine.