Akarua Bannockburn Central Otago Chardonnay 2022

Akarua Bannockburn Central Otago Chardonnay 2022"Bright, even, pale yellow. The nose is softly full and elegant, with aromas of stonefruit, citrus and peels, warm nuts and fine spice. Medium full bodied, aromas of peach and nectarine interweaved with grapefruit, zesty spice, warm hazelnut and spices. The mouthfeel is creamy, enriched by spice and nutty elements, and buttery hints lend a long, toasty finish. This Chardonnay is generous and elegant with lush fruit, nutty, spice details and a buttery,

"Bright, even, pale yellow. The nose is softly full and elegant, with aromas of stonefruit, citrus and peels, warm nuts and fine spice. Medium-full bodied, aromas of peach and nectarine interweaved with grapefruit, zesty spice, warm hazelnut and spices. The mouthfeel is creamy, enriched by spice and nutty elements, and buttery hints lend a long, toasty finish. This Chardonnay is generous and elegant with lush fruit, nutty, spice details and a buttery, creamy palate" Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Reviews, Jun 2023

"A lovely and enticing bouquet of white fleshed fruits and flowers, there’s a layer of fine lees then oak spices. On the palate a satin smooth texture touches first then flavours of white fleshed fruits and citrus, some grapefruit peel then flavours of fine lees and wood. Tannins are soft and fine, acidity in balance with the wine and judicious use of oak. Balanced and well made with a lengthy salivating finish. Best drinking from 2023 through 2028" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier, Jul 2022

Akarua Chardonnay is bright, pale golden straw with clear hues. A complex nose of stone fruit, flint and toffee. The palate is full and dry with sweet peach, nectarine, citrus and biscotti. Showing nice weight, complexity, and bright acidity. Finishes long with lingering stone fruit. Recommended cellaring through 2027.

Grapes were gently whole bunch pressed. The majority of the barrels went through malolactic fermentation and a few were left without malolactic fermentation to help give the wine vibrancy. Weekly lees stirring took place for six months. Aged in French oak barrels.

Akarua is a unique site made of 52 ha (including 34.5 ha of vines) nestled in the foothills of snow-capped mountaines, on the bank of the Kawarau River, upstream of Dunstan Lake and amid breathtaking scenery. Located in the Central Otago region, in Bannockburn, the vineyard is planted over three terraces facing west giving it intense all-day sun during the growing season. Akarua means 'two vines' in Maori, referring to the original grape varieties planted in 1996 by the Sir Clifford Skeggs: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. They now represent 78.5% and 2% of the parcels respectively, and a small amount of Pinot Gris and Riesling completels the offering.

Food Pairing: Our Chardonnay is a versatile wine that can be paired with many dishes. In particular meals with seafood, pork, chicken, mushrooms, broccoli, cauliflower and beans. Especially dishes with creamy sauces. It also goes well with soft and hard cheeses such and brie and gouda.