Neudorf Rosie's Block Chardonnay 2018

Description

Tim and Judy Finn planted their first vines in 1978, alongside the tiny hamlet of Neudorf, established by German settlers in 1842. While the Finns initially earned an international reputation for their concentrated, mineral Chardonnay and taut, racy Riesling, it is their elegant and complex Pinot Noir which has attracted recent attention. The vines spill down a gentle north-facing slope overlooking of the Moutere Valley, at the top of New Zealand's South Island. Shallow sandy loam overlays a draining clay subsoil based on the weathered gravels of an ancient river system. The virgin soil is of naturally low fertility and the gravely clay retains enough moisture to support grapevines through the dry summer months. In the vineyard a combination of high plant density (up to 5000 vines/hectare) and low production (down to one kilo/vine) produces the fruit concentration and palate length characteristic of the label. Shoots are thinned, and fruit is dropped at veraison to achieve the required crop level and uniformity of ripeness.

The barrel-fermented 2018 Chardonnay Rosie's Block saw only 10%-15% new oak. Mainly Mendoza clone, it offers subtle notes of toasted grain, melon and pear. It's medium-bodiedeven a bit light through the mid-palatethen finishes clean and crisp.