Sandhill Harvest Chardonnay 2023 VQA

WINEMAKING
The Chardonnay grapes were hand-harvested from Sandhill Estate Vineyard, Block B11 South; a very special block of land, with very low yielding vines planted to clone 76, that ripen with beautiful expressions of tropical and citrus fruits. The grapes were whole bunch pressed, then sent to French oak barrels for fermentation. The wine was aged ‘sur lie’ in French oak barrels for 9 months to impart richness and texture, and no malolactic fermentation to preserve the natural acidity and fresh fruit characteristics. The top five barrels that exhibited the greatest complexity, mouthfeel and balance were selected to develop a wine with great balance between fresh, pure fruit expression and oak barrel nuance.

FLAVOUR PROFILE
Clear and bright with a straw-yellow hue. A well-balanced bouquet between fruit (yellow apple and grilled lemon) and oak barrel complexity (biscuit, toasty oak, and warm butter) with just a touch of site-specific minerality. This medium-bodied Chardonnay has an elegant profile with refreshing acidity. Flavours of tropical fruit, apple, green pear, and honeydew melon mingle with delicate oak and spice on the palate. The clean fresh lingering finish shows notes of lemon, green apple, and subtle mineral, oak, and clove spice.

FOOD SUGGESTIONS
Pairs well with roasted lemon chicken; cedar-plank salmon; lobster and crab salads; smoked salmon; pan-fried scallops with lemon butter sauce; tarragon and Dijon grilled pork tenderloin; chicken pot pie; Brie and Camembert with water crackers. Serve at a slightly cool room temperature of 15 to 17˚C.