Chardonnay - Cuvee Aux Antipodes - Prophet's Rock - Central Otago - New Zealand

VINEYARDS Since the first release in 2018, this wine has been sourced exclusively from the small one-hectare Chardonnay block on our Kopuwai Delta vineyard, located in the Pisa sub- region of Central Otago. This site has a mix of glacial and alluvial soil. Meticulous viticulture and the site’s low elevation help to ensure full ripeness and concentration. A strong focus on viticulture is the foundation of the winemaking approach. Yields are consistently managed to 25-30hl/ha or approximately 3.5-4ton/ha. Winemaking: All elements of the winemaking are directed by François who has formed a consistent approach to this parcel since 2018. The handpicked fruit is whole-bunch pressed and fermented in barrel using only indigenous ‘wild’ yeast. The wine then spends 17 months in barrel (16% new) and undergoes indigenous malolactic fermentation. Vintage: Cool start to spring. Our first month of ‘summer’ was not especially hot, however January brought very dry and warm weather. As far as vintages go, everything was rather straightforward, no weather events to disrupt plans, amazing fruit and flavours and easy ferments. Right from the start the wines showed a lovely depth of flavour and concentration, bright aromatics, and good structure. Tasting Notes: The nose opens with beautiful white floral aromas, white peach and mandarin. The palate continues the white peach, and orange citrus, backed up with notes of brioche and macadamia – supported with a subtle lick of and well- integrated oak. The wine has a backbone of stoney acidity and oyster shell-like minerality, tying everything together, and leading to a long and graceful finish. Cellaring: Decant for full expression in its youth and cellar with confidence for 10+ years from vintage.