LEEFIELD STATION CHARDONNAY 2023

TASTING NOTE

Expressive notes of white peach, rock melon and vanilla are supported by fresh spice and brioche which provide a generous aromatic experience. Supple on the palate and full of rich texture, this wine demonstrates pure fruit expression that is solely from the Waihopai Valley, with a refreshing acidity providing texture and length.

FOOD MATCHING

Leefield Station Chardonnay 2023 pairs well with a rich Spanish paella or a flavoursome wild mushroom and parmesan risotto.

CELLARING POTENTIAL

Crafted to be enjoyed within 3-5 years of vintage
date.

ORIGIN

Leefield Station, Waihopai Valley, Marlborough.

VARIETY

100% Chardonnay.

WINEMAKING

Chardonnay fruit was harvested predominantly by hand, through the latter part of March, after which the fruit was gently whole bunch pressed into stainless steel tanks. After a short period of settling, the juice was racked and subsequently fermented in 500L French oak puncheons, of which 30% were new. Following fermentation, the wine was aged in barrel, on full lees, for a further 9 months, with periodic stirring to build weight, complexity, and mouth feel. The wine went through partial malolactic fermentation to help soften the acidity and was blended and filtered in late summer before bottling in March 2023.

ANALYSIS

Alcohol                    13.5%

pH                            3.2

Titratable Acidity    6.0g/L

Residual Sugar        1.4g/L

Vegan Certified

VINTAGE

A warm and wet winter spurred an early start to the growing season with fully charged soil moistures and warm ambient temperatures in early spring. The few frosts through September and October did little to disrupt the healthy development of strong, lush canopies.

Flowering began with cooler temperatures and periodic bouts of rain in the early summer, with the weather improving as we headed towards Christmas; typical with respect to warmth, sunshine hours and rainfall.

Late summer warmth in late February and March along with careful canopy management, delivered slowly ripened, disease free, incredibly clean fruit!

Harvest commenced in mid March. Due to the long, cool ripening season, fruit was harvested significantly later than usual but retained all of its vibrancy of flavour and crisp, ripe acids. The team are excited by the bright flavour expressions and huge diversity of character coming through in the wines of the 2023 vintage.