2022 Whitehaven Marlborough Chardonnay

VITICULTURE

Harvest Date: 16th – 24th March 2021

Vineyards:
Our Chardonnay is sourced from three different vineyards and four different clones - predominantly Mendoza (63%) with the balance spread across clones 95,15 and 1066.  Vines are trained to two or three canes on a vertical trellis.

Rothay, Wratts Road, Rapaura - 53%
Whitehaven - Pauls Road, Renwick - 44%
Whitehaven - Tussocks, Awatere valley - 3%

Climate: The 2022 growing season started with soil moisture at capacity, following an unusually wet winter which had seen flooding in parts of the region. Pleasingly, the region did not suffer any major frost events and despite conditions in November being a little wet, the warmth that went with it meant that flowering was not drawn out and resulted in good fruit set and the prospect of healthy yields. The remainder of the season was punctuated by cooler weather and rainfall events, and we were vigilant around disease pressure as we entered the harvest period. Harvest was later this year and Brix accumulation was slow. We experienced another rain event in the final third of March which then required us to harvest as quickly as possible in many blocks in order to retain pure fruit expression. This is where Whitehaven’s new receival building came to the fore, allowing greater throughput while maintain the quality focus and attention to detail that Whitehaven prides itself on.

VINIFICATION

Winemaking: The fruit was hand-picked and immediately whole bunch pressed.  The heavy pressings were kept separate to minimise harsh phenolics.  The juice was lightly settled before being racked and inoculated for fermentation.  Halfway through fermentation, the wine was transferred to French oak of which 25% was new, and predominantly in 500L puncheon format. Full malolactic fermentation was carried out and the wine was then aged in oak on fine lees for 10 months to aid texture and richness on the palate prior to blending in preparation for bottling (March 2023).  Appellation Marlborough Wine accredited.  Vegan Friendly.

Appellation Marlborough Wine accredited.

ACCOLADES

• Fragrant, almost floral chardonnay with white peach, lime zest, a touch of oak and a suggestion of saline/oyster shell character which adds appeal. Bright, fresh and high-energy wine with an ethereal texture.  Bob Campbell, MW, NZ, Rated #4 of 50 wines, 94/100 points, 4 stars.
• Bright, even, pale straw-yellow. The nose is full, with complex aromas of struck-match, roasted nuts, underlined citrus and stonefruit. Medium-full bodied, aromas of smoky flint, roasted nuts enlivened by apricot and lemon sherbet. The flavours are rich, with fine-textured phenolics and crisp acidity unfolding subtle spices. This amiable Chardonnay possesses crunchy acidity, bright fruit enriched by toasty oak elements. Match with creamy pasta and chicken dish over the next 3 years. Fermented to 13.5% alc, matured in French oak. Vegan friendly. Candice Chow, 18+/20 pts (91 pts)
• Full of potential, the 2022 vintage (4.5*) was grown and hand-harvested at Rapaura (53 per cent), Renwick (44 per cent), and in the Awatere Valley (3 per cent). Bright, light yellow/green, it was fermented and matured on its yeast lees for 10 months in French oak puncheons (25 per cent new). Mouthfilling, it has strong, vibrant, peachy, citrusy flavours, finely integrated toasty oak, and excellent freshness, complexity and vigour. Still very youthful, it should be at its best mid-2025+.  Michael Cooper, Buyer's Guide, 4.5*