Monowai Upper Reaches Chardonnay 2021

Aromas of ripe stone fruit and dried pineapple mingle with spicy oak and roasted almonds. On the palate, this plush, full bodied Chardonnay exhibits pink grapefruit rind, juicy ripe apricots and a focussed acid backbone with hints of spice and a long creamy textured finish.

A specially selected parcel of fruit from some of our oldest Chardonnay vines was carefully tended from pruning, throughout the growing season, right up to harvest. At optimum flavour and phenolic ripeness, the grapes were selectively harvested to ensure only the best bunches were picked. Following light pressing, the juice was transferred to a mixture of new, 1- and 2-year-old French oak barriques for fermentation and aging. The whole batch underwent malolactic fermentation and was stirred on a regular basis to help build texture. Aged for 10 months before being gently transferred to tank to prepare for bottling.

Crafted to be ready for drinking on release but also with the ability to age gracefully, this Chardonnay will develop in richness and complexity over at least the next 5 years. Thanks to our elevated, inland position, our wines naturally have good acid levels, which allows them to age gracefully for many years.