Elephant Hill Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2019

Elephant Hill Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2019French oak White stonefruit Buttery popcorn Softly textured "Medium yellow with a golden hue, lovely concentrated aromas of white stone fruit, ripe citrus, and sweet toasted oak notes. A beautifully fresh and lively palate, dense fruit flavours balanced by vibrant acidity which leads to the oak spice driven finish that lasts for days" The Wine Writer "Bright, even, pale yellow with a slightly green hue. The nose is elegantly full and expressive,

• French oak
• White stonefruit
• Buttery popcorn
• Softly textured

"Medium yellow with a golden hue, lovely concentrated aromas of white stone fruit, ripe citrus, and sweet toasted oak notes. A beautifully fresh and lively palate, dense fruit flavours balanced by vibrant acidity which leads to the oak spice driven finish that lasts for days" The Wine Writer

"Bright, even, pale yellow with a slightly green hue. The nose is elegantly full and expressive, immediately filled the glass with toasted hazelnut, buttery popcorn underlying stonefruit, citrus, barrel flint and spice. Full-bodied, pure fruit aromas of peach, nectarine with a citrus base, enriched by barrel spice, hazelnut and buttery popcorn. The acidity is sherbety and seamless, carrying barrel spice, flint throughout the palate. Noticeable silky phenolics contribute to texture, along with a buttery flow. Flavours are harmonious and generous; combining the vibrant acidity shows vitality and ageing potential. Match with tiger prawns and poultry over the next 7+ years" Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Reviews, Nov 2021

A classic Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay. Beautifully fragrant citrus, white-fleshed stone fruit and subtle roasted nuts combine on a finely styled and softly textured, balanced palate. Predominantly grown at our coastal “Sea” vineyard this wine reflects our place. It has a freshness and restraint typical of many of our wines grown at this site.

The 2018/2019 growing season and our “Sea” and “Earth” Vineyards at Te Awanga and the Bridge Pa Triangle have produced a balanced and finely styled Chardonnay. Overall, the season was very warm with a total heat summation (1,425 Growing Degree Days) well above the Long-Term Average. The key ripening months of January and February were warm and dry. This combined with low crop yields, good flavour and careful selection allowed us to harvest fruit in excellent condition in the 2nd week of March.

Hand harvested fruit was gently whole bunch pressed and the resulting juice was briefly settled before being transferred to French oak barrels (largely seasoned) and tank for natural and inoculated fermentation. Following this, some batches went through malolactic fermentation to balance out the natural acidity. Maturation on fine lees for 13 months with regular stirring has added texture, complexity and interest to the core of fruit purity this wine shows.

Established in 2003, Elephant Hill is located within a stone’s throw of the Pacific Ocean on the idyllic Te Awanga coast of Hawke’s Bay on New Zealand’s North Island. The winemaking at Elephant Hill is driven by tradition while not losing sight of what innovation can bring to the blend. Our aim is to make wines that are balanced, elegant and a true expression of the vineyards they come from.