2024 Whitehaven Single Vineyard Series Fossil Block Riverside Chardonnay

VITICULTURE & VINIFICATION

Harvest Date: 17th March 2024

Grape Growing: The Fossil Block Chardonnay comes from a small 0.23-hectare parcel of Chardonnay (clone 95) planted nearly 20 years ago beside the Awatere River at Whitehaven’s Tussocks vineyard. The site’s fluvial soils are rich with oceanic fossil material, inspiring the wine’s name and contributing a refined mineral character to the palate. Pruned to two canes and naturally low yielding, the block has become a favourite for consistently producing fruit which is distinct and compelling. 

Climate: Unlike the previous two years, the growing season leading into the 2024 vintage began after a dry winter, with the soil water balance in deficit. Fewer inflorescences generally and then a protracted flowering window in November and December, resulted in poor fruit set and fewer berries per bunch than the average in most areas. Dry conditions persisted for the duration of the growing season, minimising disease threats and resulting in clean fruit at harvest. A spell of warm weather through late December and January, in combination with the lighter crop, resulted in a rapid physiological advancement against the long-term average.  Fortuitously, the headwaters of the Wairau and Awatere river systems received enough rain to keep irrigation schemes open through the season and into harvest, at which point a return to cool, crisp days became the norm.

Winemaking: The fruit was hand-harvested in the cool of the morning and whole-cluster pressed, with the free run juice carefully separated from the heavier pressings. After a brief settling of less than 10 hours, the juice was racked with all light solids retained, to contribute palate weight and texture. Fermentation began in stainless steel tank with cultured yeast, before being transferred midway to seasoned 500L French oak puncheons. No new oak was used, ensuring the wine’s restrained character and mineral thread. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation and matured for 11 months in oak on lees, followed by a further 4 months in tank. Bottled with no fining or filtering to preserve integrity. 

ACCOLADES

• The debut 2024 vintage (*****) is a distinctive, refined wine, hand-picked in the inland Awatere Valley.  Fermented and aged for 11 months in French oak puncheons, it was bottled unfined and unfiltered.  Bright, light lemon/green, it is mouthfilling, subtle and finely textured, with lovely delicacy and depth of well-ripened, peachy, citrusy flavours, finely integrated biscuity and toasty oak, balanced acidity, a slightly creamy note, and notable harmony and length.  Already delicious, it should be at its best 2028+. Michael Cooper ONZM, 5 stars

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  Fruit is from the Tussocks vineyard in Awatere Valley and therefore displays those pretty blush nectarines and ruby grapefruit zest. Some two-tone strawberries and pineapple skin. The fruit is ripe but vibrating with energy and zing, the palate moves into soft, whipped meringue and cashew butter. It's a coordinated marriage of stunning fruit, crafted oak and creamy texture. A real wine of merit. This will age beautifully. Halliday Wine Companion, 95 Pts (Special Value Rosette)

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  A lovely example, light and refreshing bouquet and palate of citrus, mandarin, some pith and peel then a mineral and gentle saline quality. Crisp and dry with a decent weight and satin mouthfeel. Fine fruit tannins and layer of wood spice and lees, a Chablis-ien idea comes to mind. Well made with best drinking from day of purchase through 2030. Cameron Douglas MS, 93 Points

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  A taut, restrained and chalky wine, built on a frame of saline acidity and long lemon peel, grapefruit pith flavours. There is a finesse to its light-bodied length. This can be enjoyed now for tangy refreshment or given some time in bottle to develop toasty, savoury complexity. The Real Review, 90 Points