Harvest Date: 1st April - 4th April Brix at Harvest: 23 Residual Sugar: 3.0 gm/litre TA: 6.6 gm/litre pH: 3.16
The 2000 growing season was long with very cool nights. The cool wet weather around budburst and during flowering contributed to reduced cluster and berry numbers. Low yields assisted the vines to evenly ripen the grapes. Huia had an excellent vintage with ripe fruit intensity reflected in the wines.
The 2000 Huia Chardonnay is the third crop from the Huia Vineyard. The major portion is Clone 95, a newcomer to the region from Burgundy. The grapes were hand harvested and whole bunch pressed to maximise the palate structure. The indigenous yeast fermentation was initiated in new and older French oak. We used both 450 litre puncheons and 225 litre barrels. About 60% of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation to soften and broaden the palate. The wine was aged in oak on lees with weekly stirring for 15 months.
Peach and creamy vanilla pod show on the nose. The palate is finely structured with rich melon and citrus fruit characters backed by subtle oak. The complex layers of texture and flavour support a long elegant finish.
WINES - Tasting Notes
