Lock Stock & Barrel Wines

Variety: Chardonnay

Region: Wairau Valley, Marlborough

Style: Methode Traditionnelle – dry

Vintage notes: A very cool flowering and generally cool growing season resulted in moderate crops and open canopies. The long even ripening period produced wonderfully balanced fruit, with abundant flavour.

Vineyard: Heather & Meric planted their Summerhouse vineyard on north facing glacial soils in 1995, and have since established a reputation as producers of some of Marlborough’s finest wines. The intense varietal flavours are the result of warm free draining soils, long autumn days with cool nights and an open vine canopy allowing the sun onto the fruit. A celebration is called for as we harvest the Chardonnay garapes for Summerhouse Blanc de blancs, the first fruit of the season!

Vinification: The hand harvested bunches were whole bunch pressed, and the juice chilled, settled and racked. The cool primary ferment occurred with specially selected yeasts. After bottling, the slow secondary bubble producing ferment occurred in each individual bottle. The wine was then aged on the yeast lees for two years before disgorging. Only 130 cases were produced.

Appearance: Pale gold.

Bouquet: Light floral perfume with lovely citris and brioche notes.

Palate: Smooth and lively with lemon and apple flavours, a little yeastiness and a creamy finish.

Cellaring: Enjoy now while young and vibrant or enjoy as it continues to mature.

Serving temperature: Lightly chilled

Recommended food accompaniments: Ideal for a picnic, family celebration or gourmet lunch. Can be enjoyed equally as an aparitif throughout the meal, or with dessert. Chicken terrin, crab brioche, baked salmon, duck and beetroot, oysters or with a ricotta and lemon cannoli.