Big Leap Chardonnay
The 2017 growing season was slow to start after a long cold snowy winter. A cool wet prolonged spring seemed to turn overnight into a long hot dry summer. This was favourable for minimal disease pressure. The autumn was moderate with lengthy hang times which helped retain our signature site acidity and allowed the fruit to mature and develop great flavour profiles.
The 2017 Chardonnay is 100% estate grown, and a single block selection. A wild yeast ferment in French Oak and aged for a further 10 months on lees in French Oak with a small percentage put through natural malolactic fermentation.
A pale straw colour, with aromatics of stonefruit, citrus and wet stone, with a hint of caramel. The palate is dry & light bodied with flavours of citrus, pear and minerality with a subtle toasty edge. A firm line of acidity leads to a long well rounded finish with a touch of flinty spice.