Collaboration Impression White Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2017

Collaboration Impression White Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2017"Full of drink young appeal, the generous 2017 vintage (4*) was grown at Havelock North, matured for eight months in seasoned French oak barrels and given a softening malolactic fermentation. Bright, light yellow green, it is mouthfilling and vibrant, with strong, peachy flavours, hints of stonefruit and butterscotch, and a slightly creamy finish. Now 2020+" Michael Cooper, Buyer's Guide 2018. Straw lemon colour in the glass with a green hue.

"Full of drink-young appeal, the generous 2017 vintage (4*) was grown at Havelock North, matured for eight months in seasoned French oak barrels and given a softening malolactic fermentation. Bright, light yellow/green, it is mouthfilling and vibrant, with strong, peachy flavours, hints of stonefruit and butterscotch, and a slightly creamy finish. Now-2020+" Michael Cooper, Buyer's Guide 2018.

Straw lemon colour in the glass with a green hue. Beautilfully fresh bouquet with creamy, stone fruit notes with underlying citrus tones. Concentrated, rich and, oily texture. The palate is filled with bright stone fruits and citrus. Finishing with a savoury, textural, mineral backbone.

An integral part of these wines, Hawkes Bay’s maritime climate, microclimates and soil types provide a rich canvas of vineyard sites to work with. The winemaker has selected sites from some of Hawkes Bay’s finest winegrowing sub-regions that represent the ultimate varietal expression of the wines in their portfolio. Because of the tiny production of Collaboration wines, all of the vines are tendered by hand (with the help of family and friends) to ensure fruit of the highest quality is produced.

The 2017 season began as an ideal growing season. Moderate temperatures during spring with minimal frost risk and good flowering led to an extremely dry and warm summer. Above average temperatures in January and February ensured we were on track for a great vintage. March, April and May brought about unsettled weather with high humidity and heavy rainfall. Picking decisions were challenging, with the need to watch the daily weather reports closely and keep a close eye on the vineyards. My resulting Chardonnay’s show evidence of a warm growing season, showing beautiful riper stone fruit characters yet an air of restraint and elegance.