Our first Levels Chardonnay that was 100% sourced from the Gunn family vineyard on Ohiti Road where they grow the highly sort after 548 clone of Chardonnay.
The grapes were hand-picked in immaculate condition on the 25th and 26th February. Only the initial “free run” portion of the juice was allocated for our super premium ‘Levels’ Chardonnay where it was placed into fine French oak (35% new) to undergo primary and secondary “malo-lactic” fermentation.
A mix of ‘Wild’ and ‘Inoculated’ yeast was used to ferment the juice to help create a more complex and interesting wine.
We are elated at what we’ve managed to encapsulate in bottle this year. A real powerhouse of a Chardonnay with all the elements we love; punchy stone fruit, brioche notes from the malolactic fermentation, fine French oak bringing structure and spice. Vintage 2021 was a stunner across the board and what better way to express this great vintage than this fine example of Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay at its absolute peak.
