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Chardonnay

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Vidal Reserve 2007 Hawkes Bay Chardonnay

Chardonnay remains one of the most popular white varieties for New Zealanders. Some people love the creamy buttery taste and texture of oaked Chardonnay, while others like the uncomplicated flavours of unoaked Chardonnay. The wine I am featuring this week will surely find favour with the people who fit into the first category but I also think it is good enough to be appreciated by anyone who likes a good Chardonnay.

The 2007 vintage followed a warm, dry growing season in the Hawkes Bay, characterised by a long dry autumn with cool evening temperatures. Grapes for this particular wine were selected from very low yielding sites, Vidal’s winemakers have identified these sites for their ability to produce grapes with depth and concentration of flavour, combined with good natural acidity. These sites are primarily in the acclaimed Gimblett Gravels grape growing region of Hawkes Bay. The grapes were allowed to reach optimum maturity before harvesting, and were harvested in perfect condition, delivering a well balanced and concentrated wine.

Fruit from the unique sites were hand harvested and whole bunch pressed to retain elegance, purity of fruit and intensity of flavour. The pressed juice was then run direct to French barriques, selected for their subtle flavours and aroma profiles. Over two thirds of the juice underwent natural fermentation with indigenous yeasts adding complexity. A small component of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation. The wine was then matured for ten months on yeast lees with occasional stirring, adding more complexity and enhancing mouthfeel. The wine was blended into bottles in early 2008.

Found the 2007 Vidal Reserve Hawkes Bay Chardonnay to have wonderful aromas of stonefruit especially nectarine and peach, also some citrus notes and surprising the distinct aroma of grilled pineapple. The palate is just as complex, with flavours of ripe peach and nectarine blending well with the citrus taste of grapefruit and more than a hint of pineapple leading to a long lingering finish with underlying spicy oak notes shining through.

In my opinion it is an exceptional wine and the best 2007 Chardonnay I have tasted. I love the complexity of flavours in this well balanced wine. It should cellar well fro at least three to four more years and when you do drink it, I suggest trying it with crayfish, pan fried scallops or Roast Chicken with fresh herbs.

Reviewed by Stephen Clark (30/1/2009)
 

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