1888 HAWKES BAY CHARDONNAY 2014

This Chardonnay is a tribute to our founder, celebrating his unwavering belief in Hawkes Bay as a truly great winegrowing region. Only crafted in the most exceptional years in limited quantities, these wines are the absolute pinnacle of Vidal Estate.
PRESSING: Whole bunch pressed
FERMENTATION: Natural
FERMENTATION VESSEL: French oak barrique; 50% new and 50% 1yr old
MATURATION: On lees with stirring – 10mths in barrique and 1 in tank
BOTTLED: 13th March, 2015
BOTTLES MADE: 736

Varieties: Chardonnay
Alcohol: 13.5%
pH: 3.21
Total acidity: 7.61gL
Residual sugar: Dry
Vineyard
The soils of the Lyons ‘Love Block’ consist of pure gravel beds with layers of sand, silt and clay. Coarse and weakly structured, these soils are free draining allowing for the undiluted concentration of flavour in the fruit. A record high of 1,455 Growing Degree Days and low rainfall resulted in the perfect conditions for hand-picking; intense flavour concentration and balanced acidity.
YIELD: 27hl/ha
CLONE: Clone 15 Chardonnay
VINE AGE: Planted 1996

Tasting Note
Intensely aromatic with citrus blossom, French baguette and complex flinty undertones.

The palate delivers power and restraint with citrus and pink grapefruit, white stone fruit, roasted nuts and mineral notes.
Excellent clear-cut acidity with a lovely satin-like texture leads to an elegant, balanced finish. Complex, persistent, fine and age-worthy.

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