Chardonnay Block 6 2018

Felton Road, tasting note (feltonroad.com – produktside feltonroad.com, hentet 2026-10-19): 2018 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 elderflower and stone fruit, an evocation of bright, reflective stones and cool air. The north facing slope, higher elevation and greater exposure of Block 6, lend an extra degree of ripeness and stature compared to the finer, more mineral Block 2. The palate leads with grapefruit pith and persimmon flavours becoming broad and powerful. Honest and expressive of its unique vineyard origin. Vineyard & viticulture: Vinification Beginning with meticulous site selection and vineyard design started in 1991, Felton Road's story is one of refusal to compromise. A strict 100% estate policy with fully organic and biodynamic viticulture (Demeter certified) ensures that our fruit arrives at the winery as pure as it can be, while our entire estate comes as close to true sustainability as is possible. A commitment to hands off winemaking: gravity flow, wild yeasts, wild malo, an avoidance of fining and filtration all help preserve the wine's expression of its terroir. The result is Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir which accurately express the authenticity and complexity of our unique vineyards. 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. Mendoza clone Chardonnay from Block 6 was whole bunch pressed, settled overnight and flowed 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 late-August 2019. The wine was not fined or filtered. Vinification: Beginning with meticulous site selection and vineyard design started in 1991, Felton Road's story is one of refusal to compromise. […]