Summerhouse Chardonnay 2005
Vintage: 2006
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Wairau Valley, Marlborough
Style: Full bodied.
Vintage notes: An early warm spring with regular periods of rainfall resulted in health canopies. Dry weather at flowering meant lovely even fruit set. The ripening period occurred early in Marlborough, and resulted in beautifully ripe, balanced fruit.
Vineyard: Heather & Meric Davies planted their Summerhouse vineyard on north facing glacial soils in 1995, and since established a reputation as producers of some of Marlborough’s finest wines. Summerhouse Chardonnay is crafted from fruit grown on the Mendoza and Clone 95 vines. The intense varietal flavours are the result of warm free draining soils, long autumn days with cool nights and an open vine canopy allowing sun onto the fruit.
Vinification: The fruit was hand harvested and the bunches were whole bunch pressed using a precise pneumatic press. The juice was clarified and then fermented in French oak barriques with both wild and cultured yeasts. The barrels were lees-stirred on a regular basis, and progrssed gently through malolactic fermentation in the spring before being blended, gently fined and bottled late in the summer.
Appearance: Bright straw yellow
Bouquet: Ripe, white peaches, apricots and hints of citrus.
Palate: Juicy and succulent with delicious fruity flavours, a very fine structure and a long elegant finish, cleansing the palate.
Cellaring: A wine to enjoy while fresh and forward, or as it continues to develop complexity over the next five years.
Serving temperature: Lightly chilled.
Recommended food accompaniments: Salmon, smoked and char-grilled food, spicy coconut pork and other roasted white meats.
Technical analysis
Harvest date: March 2006 | Bottling date: March 2007 | Winemaker: Michelle Richardson | Brix at harvest: 23.5 – 24.6 | Alcohol: 14.5% | Titratable acidity: 6.8g/l | pH: 3.3 | Packaging: 12 x 750ml cartons. Antique green premium punted Burgundy bottles, screwcap closures
Reviews
International Chardonnay Challenge 2007 SILVER
Wine Orbit Review 2007 4 1/2 STARS
