2012 Ata Rangi Craighall Chardonnay Martinborough

Craighall is Ata Rangi's top Chardonnay, which comes from older low-yielding vines, the oldest of which are more than 30-years-old. The Craighall field is located centrally in the vineyard and consists mainly of sandy soil, which provides perfect drainage for the vines. The grapes are hand-harvested and pressed in whole clusters. The wine is fermented in French Barriques (about 25% new) with the natural wild yeast from the grapes, and then aged "sur lie" in French barrels for 12 months. The final wine is exceptionally characterful and complex. The bouquet offers intriguing nuances of nectarine, peach and intense citrus. The flavour is complex with layers upon layers of fruit and mineral facets.