Reviews
Sam Kim, Wine Orbit: 4.5★ 91 points
A beautifully complex and elegantly expressed Chardonnay displaying white peach, citrus, cream and subtle vanillin oak characters on the nose. The palate is succulent and vibrant with smooth texture and bright acidity, providing an excellent structure and length. The wine shows immediate drinkability while exhibiting potential to develop gracefully over the next few years. At its best: now to 2016.
John Saker, Cuisine Magazine: 4.★ Recommended
The deft hand of Rod McDonald has produced an assertive expression with a plump, traditional feel. Lashing of oak spice mix it with the rich, peach-flavoured fruit. It has a grand, generous presence with an enduring finish.
PC CH 09
Pure Silver – Romero Bragato Wine Awards 2010
PC CH 10
Gold – Royal Easter Show 2012Silver – International Wine Show 2011Pure Silver – Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2011
PC CH 11
Gold Medal - 2012 Hawkes Bay A&P Mercedes Benz Wine Competition 5 Stars - Raymond Chan Wine Reviews
Regional Characteristics
Chardonnay. Hawkes Bay provides ripeness with a wonderful lemon and grapefruit aromatic, yet achieving ripeness on the palate at moderate sugar and balanced acidity.
The same level of ripeness in Marlborough often delivers a more tropical character, slightly less classic. Central Otago tends to be more flintly and mineral, but can exhibit a green edge and lack texture on the palate.
Winemaker's Intention
Where our Flying sheep range is focused on delivering clear varietal expressions from Hawke’s Bay, our Prestige Collection wines are produced in a form that allows us to showcase the inherent character of our vineyard. Low crops are a key ingredient in developing fruit with intensity and character. These vines have been controlled to produce no more than 1.5kg per vine. We want wines that exhibit florals like citrus flowers combined with the zest of grapefruit on the nose. A palate that is texturally rich and plush, yet with an attractive tension. Due to what’s going on under the ground, we can deliver a refreshing mineral and acid spine on which the more complex where flavours of nougat integrate with a lingering toastiness.
