Chardonnay Block 6 2017

Felton Road, tasting note (feltonroad.com – produktside feltonroad.com, hentet 2026-10-19): 2017 Felton Road Chardonnay Block 6 – område: Bannockburn (Central Otago); drue: Chardonnay. Enkeltmark ifølge arket: The Elms Block 6 (The Elms vineyard). Producentens noter (engelsk): Tasting note: Aromas of stonefruit and honeysuckle are immediately apparent. Our hands-off and transparent winemaking reveals the markers of Block 6 to take centre stage. This higher elevation and north-facing slope results in riper flavours with more opulence and breadth compared to the more mineral infused and tighter Block 2. A complexing chalkiness adds intrigue and mouthfeel to the finish which is supported by a fine, almost salty acidity. Vineyard & viticulture: Felton Road farms four properties totaling 32 ha in the Bannockburn sub-region of Central Otago. Block 6 was planted in 1993 and is positioned on a north facing slope immediately south of Block 5 on The Elms vineyard. Its higher elevation (282-300m) and steeper slope favourably intercepts the sun but results in it being more wind exposed. Meticulous summer management of a single vertical shoot positioned (VSP) canopy ensures even and early fruit maturity. Shoot thinning, shoot positioning, leaf plucking, bunch thinning and harvest are all carried out by hand to ensure optimum quality fruit. Cover crops are planted between rows to assist in vine balance and to improve soil health and general biodiversity. The end of winter and spring 2016 was as warm and sustained as we have ever experienced, resulting in an early bud-break and fast even growth. Summer saw westerly winds concurrent with cool overnight temperatures pulling in the reins, slowing growth to a gentler pace. Relatively cool temperatures and high rainfall in January offered succour to both the canopies and understory. As was the case for heat summation, our season’s rainfall seemed to have been provided early. Small shattered bunches from unsettled weather over December’s flowering period reduced demand on the vines during the cooler, dry periods that occurred during the later parts of summer. Nature provided us with a perfect outcome to an unusual season characterised by a fast start and slow finish. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay were harvested swiftly from March 29th with both varietals complete within a week. Vinification: Mendoza clone Chardonnay from Block 6 was whole bunch pressed and flowed immediately (without settling) to barrel by gravity in the underground cellar. Fermentation with indigenous yeasts in seasoned French oak (no new oak) was followed by a long and complete malolactic over the spring and summer. After 16 months in barrel the wine was racked to tank for bottling in early-September 2018. The wine was not fined or filtered.