2013 Journeys End Vineyards Naturist Chardonnay

The majority of this wine was matured in neutral oak, with only a small proportion in new 'Vicard' French oak barriques, the end result is a medium bodied style that will only fill out further with time. Winemaker Ben Riggs has added back an additional 10% of tank fermented juice to provide freshness and vibrancy to the final wine.

Re-tasted 29/12/2016:
With a few years in bottle this Chardonnay is now beginning to fill out. Brilliant pale straw to straw colour with a watery hue. Nosing reveals intense aromatics of ripe peaches laced with honeycomb and hints of butterscotch followed by a backdrop of nougat and spicy oak. Medium to full bodied the palate possesses good richness within a creamy textured mouthfeel. Generous flavours of ripe peaches and apricots bounce off hints of honeycomb and butterscotch with some nougat and spice on the finish. Medium to long aftertaste of ripe peaches, apricots, subtle honeycomb, butterscotch and nougat. A fuller style of Chardonnay without being over weight.

Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc 13.5%

Originally Tasted April 2015:
Brilliant very pale straw colour with a light greenish tinge around the edges and a watery hue. Lifted peach, citrus and dried honey scents are followed by hints of cashew and bees wax. Made in a fresher style than the 2012 and not quite as big and textured, the 2013 will fill out with some bottle age. Medium weight flavours of peach, ripe pear and dried honey are to the fore over some light nougat and cashew. Clean dry finish with well balanced acidity. Long aftertaste of peach, ripe pear, dried honey and delicate cashew. 

Cellar 3-4 years.
Alc 13%