Elephant Hill Salomé Chardonnay 2021, Hawke's Bay

A very complex bouquet that begins to reveal its layers once in glass for around ten minutes. Aromas of apples and salty stones, white peach and citrus zest. The impact of new oak is revealed with a toasty white smoke and baking spice package of scents, vanilla and raw cashew nut. There’s a core of umami scents that can only come from the synergies of soil, fruit, wood and outstanding winemaking. On the palate an exceptional wine with a youthful tautness and squeeze then flavours of stone-fruit and nut, citrus and barrel spice, fine tannins and acidity. A weighty wine on the palate with a youthful energy and drive along with a complex and dry finish. Best drinking from late 2024 through 2033. A wine that offers exceptional value.

97 Points

Outstanding

RRP from $95.00

Ø  80% Sea vineyard (Te Awanga), 20% Earth vineyard (Bridge Pa)

Ø  100% Chardonnay, 80% clone 15, 20% Mendoza hand-picked on 10/2 and 2/3

Ø  Whole bunch pressed to barrel, natural primary ferment, partial malolactic (natural)

Ø  12 mths barrel (40% new), occasional stirring, plus 5 mths in tank, all on light lees

Ø  110 cs (9l) produced