2007 Principia Chardonnay

The vineyard was first planted in 1995 to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
A variety of trellis systems are used, including Lyre Bird and VSP.
The vineyard is not irrigated with yields of around 1.5 - 2 tonnes per acre.
The winemaking is traditional with wild and malolactic fermentation allowed to occur. The grapes were whole bunch pressed in a basket press. After settling, the wine must is transferred to barrel, 25% of which is new French oak. Weekly lees stirring occurs during the ferments and the wine receives 18 months barrel age.

Bright pale straw colour with green tinge and pale straw hue. Superb nose of hazelnut, yeast lees, ripe fig and melon followed by some grapefruit. Mouthfilling palate – complex, dry with layers of citrus, grapefruit and yeast lees over subtle oak. Excellent length and persistence. Clean acid finish. Very long aftertaste of hazelnut, citrus, grapefruit and yeast lees.
Cellar 3-4 years (2012-2013)
Alc/Vol: 13.6%