WINE MAKING

A lone tree stands tall along-side the vineyard, like a protector watching over the vines. The Watching Tree Vineyard was planted in 1989 with clone 95 and clone 96 Chardonnay vines on stony, pebbly soil which was once an ancient riverbed. The hand-picked Chardonnay grapes are whole-bunch pressed; the juice is cold settled in tank; then sent directly to barrel for fermentation. The wine is then aged ‘sur lie’ in 225 litre French oak barriques (20% New Oak) for 10 months. No malolactic fermentation.

FLAVOUR PROFILE

Clear and bright with a straw yellow hue and a bouquet of red apple, grilled pineapple, toasty oak and lemon. This Chardonnay is medium-bodied, slightly rich, with refreshing acidity. Flavours of ripe stone fruits and lemon develop on the palate, and fresh clean notes of pineapple and lemon, mixed with delicate spice and oak, linger on the finish.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Serve lightly chilled at 15 to 17ºC.

Serve with smoked chicken risotto; wild mushroom rice stuffing and your holiday turkey; cream sauces on pasta tossed with shrimp or scallops; roast lemon chicken; grilled fillets of firm fish on cedar plank; puff pastry-wrapped salmon or chicken; creamy potato dishes; turkey pot pies; truffled brie; apple-wood smoked cheddar. Enjoy now through 2024.