Tohu Whenua Matua Single Vineyard Nelson Chardonnay 2019

Tohu Whenua Matua Single Vineyard Nelson Chardonnay 2019French oak Juicy stonefruit Hazelnut Rich & creamy Ripe juicy stonefruit and bright citrus peel characteristics meet in a richly textured Nelson Chardonnay. Hazelnut, flint and spicy French oak. Layers of citrus peel and juicy stonefruit flavours. Subtle hints of hazelnut, flint and spicy oak. Richly textured with a creamy mouthfeel. A delightful long and lingering finish. Upper Moutere, Nelson, New Zealand. Blocks: Matau (Fish Hook) & Waewae (Leg).

• French oak
• Juicy stonefruit
• Hazelnut
• Rich & creamy

Ripe juicy stonefruit and bright citrus peel characteristics meet in a richly textured Nelson Chardonnay. Hazelnut, flint and spicy French oak. Layers of citrus peel and juicy stonefruit flavours. Subtle hints of hazelnut, flint and spicy oak. Richly textured with a creamy mouthfeel. A delightful long and lingering finish.

Upper Moutere, Nelson, New Zealand. Blocks: Matau (Fish Hook) & Waewae (Leg). Planted 2006-2014. 3.31ha. Ancient Moutere alluvium clay soils, featuring deeply weathered and dissected gravels.

The growing season began with unsettled weather during flowering resulting in lower yields. Followed by a very warm and dry summer that provided ideal growing and ripening conditions. A successful harvest period, with grapes being picked at optimal ripeness and flavour profile.

Carefully hand-harvested, the grapes were gently whole-bunch pressed. The resulting juice was fermented in both new and old French oak barriques. The majority of barrels were fermented with specially chosen yeasts; while a small proportion were left to undergo ‘wild’ fermentation. Weekly batonage - or lees stirring - promoted yeast autolysis which added both body and complexity. Malolactic fermentation naturally occurred once the weather warmed in the spring. Only the best barrels made the final blend, before filtering and bottling without fining.