Windward Chardonnay 2021

Vintage: 2021
Variety: Windward Chardonnay
Region: Bay of Islands, Northland
Harvest Dates: 2nd to the 9th of February 2021
Bottled: 14th February 2022
146 cases produced
 
45.5% Block 1 / 19.5% Block 6/ 31% Block 5/ 4% Block 4
Wine Analysis: pH 3.06   TA 5.9 g/L   RS 1.52g/L      Alcohol 13.7%
Crush Analysis: pH 3.08 - 3.18      TA 6.6 – 8.17 g/L        Brix 21.7 - 22.5
Tasting Notes:
Chardonnay is a major focus for us here at Paroa Bay, with over one third of the vineyard dedicated to the variety. Spread across five individual sub-blocks and utilizing five different clones we grow and create small individual parcels (usually down to single barrel) to later combine into our final wine. We do this somewhat extra work principally because we literally live and breathe Chardonnay but also seeing these components individually evolve, allows us to learn and tailor our approach as each season plays out.
 
In the winery simple yet considered winemaking procedures bring out the best in the fruit. Whole bunch pressed straight to barrel of which 35% was new oak and allowed to spontaneously ferment at ambient temperature. Minimal malolactic fermentation occurs during the wines nine months in barrel and after a short time in tank the wine is stabilised before bottling.
 
This Chardonnay truly represents our coastal surroundings, with the environmental and meteorological factors being very evident in the glass. Light and honey gold in colour. Engaging aromas on the nose of flint, peat smoke, pineapple, lime and roasted peaches. On the palate- mineral elements merge with refreshing grapefruit pith and sweet stone fruit all finished with and balanced by keystone acidity.
 
This wine is tightly coiled and will reward extended cellaring and time in the glass.