2014 Ata Rangi Petrie Chardonnay

The Petrie vineyard is about 20 minutes drive north of Martinborough, on slopes down to the Trahati River. Here Clive Pation can grow Chardonnay with an elegance and finesse that is quite unique. The grapes are hand-harvested and pressed in whole clusters. The wine is fermented in French Barriques (about 20% new) with the natural wild yeast from the grapes, and then aged "sur lie" in French barrels for 8 months. The wine has an engaging bouquet with hints of jasmine and citrus and mandarines. The flavour is sparkling and fresh, with a crisp, mineral finish. Tasted blind, few would guess that this wine was grown outside Burgundy!