Esk Valley Estate Chardonnay

New Zealand, Hawke's Bay
Bottle
Ratings
WS 90 · RP 90
Identity
Producer Esk Valley
Vol 0.75
Grapes 10% Chardonnay
Color White
Sweetness Dry
Tasting
Color Desc Medium-bodied, elegant style with flinty grapefruit notes and ripe stone fruit characters
Aroma Aromas of peach, grapefruit, lemon rind, oyster shell, briny smoky nuances, vanilla, nut, stone fruits, ripe red apples, moderate oak scents with mild toasty quality
Palate Chalky textured and focused palate with clean acidity and citrus tang, generous satin texture with contrasting acidity and flavors mirroring baking and toasty wood qualities
Finish Long mineral finish with good persistence and decent length
Food Pairing Seafood, Chicken, Grilled fish, Light creamy pasta, Salads
Serving Temp 12
Aging Potential 3-5 years
Serving Glassware Standard White Wine glass
Profile
Acidity (1-5)
HIGHER THAN AVERAGE
Body (1-5)
LOWER THAN AVERAGE
Aroma (1-5)
HIGHER THAN AVERAGE
Minerality (1-5)
LOW
Enology
ABV % 13.0
Aging Process Extended time on lees with regular stirring
Fermentation More malolactic fermentation used for elegance
Terroir
Gravel-based soils
Interesting facts
Esk Valley is based in Hawke's Bay with gravel-based soils ideal for fuller bodied whites. The winery was purchased by Sir George Fistonich in 1986 and has a reputation for elegant, sophisticated wines.
Logistics
Cork screw cap