Alpha Domus Estate The Skybolt Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2023

Alpha Domus Estate The Skybolt Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2023"Lifted, crisp and refreshing bouquet with scents of peach and pineapple, red apple and a light barrel spice quality. A satin smooth texture touches the palate with a fresh nut and baking spice quality then fruit flavours that mirror the bouquet. Acidity, oak and alcohol are all in balance and frame the palate structure seamlessly. Youthful and refreshing acid line, fine tannins and decent length. Well made with best drinking from day of purchase

"Lifted, crisp and refreshing bouquet with scents of peach and pineapple, red apple and a light barrel spice quality. A satin-smooth texture touches the palate with a fresh nut and baking spice quality then fruit flavours that mirror the bouquet. Acidity, oak and alcohol are all in balance and frame the palate structure seamlessly. Youthful and refreshing acid line, fine tannins and decent length. Well made with best drinking from day of purchase through 2028" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier, Apr 2024

The wine offers lovely fruit purity together with silky texture and generosity, making it highly enjoyable. This ripe Chardonnay shows peach and citrus, floral aromas coupled with toasted grains, caramel and spice from French oak. Stone fruit and biscuit flavours are balanced by a long citrus finish with hints of toffee and caramel.

The lithe Skybolt is a captivating combination; it's a biplane with an open cockpit and wooden wings, built for aerobatics. Equally captivating the Skybolt Chardonnay is an elegant style with fruit richness, seductive oak and a succulent palate that is rounded and creamy.

The grapes were predominantly hand harvested from our Clone 15, 548 and 95 Chardonnay blocks. Cropping levels were kept to a maximum of 10 tonnes/ha. The different blocks were harvested at optimum ripeness, determined both by analysis as well as flavour. This blend of clones has been specially selected for its generous fruit character, palate weight and richness.

A combination of free run juice predominantly from our original plantings of Clone 15, with a small amount of younger Clone 548 and 95. All batches were pressed and fermented separately in a mixture of French oak barriques and puncheons. Selected yeasts and indigenous fermentation add complexity to the wine. Lees stirring in barrel took place for 11 months to increase palate weight and roundness.

Food Pairing: Ideal to enjoy on its own or a perfect complement to seafood, white meats, and risotto.