Craggy Range 'Kidnappers Vineyard' Chardonnay 2010

Craggy Range 'Kidnappers Vineyard' Chardonnay 2010 lively and fresh with good fruit purity

Tasting Notes

3/25/11
Stylistically this is about fruit purity and elegance, the fruit very reflective of its cool climate origins. This can be looked at in the realms of a Chablis knockoff with its emphasis on clean, precise fruit without any excessive toasted oak and buttery nuances to the fruit. Less than 10% of the wine was given new wood and that for only around 5 months in total. The freshness and vibrancy of the wine comes forth on the nose with lemony, citrus notes touched up with a subtle hint of a toasted nut and a minerally, flintiness etched into the fruits aromatics. Medium bodied this has a suppleness in the mid palate without heft, offering zesty, lemon citrus and white orchard tree fruits that are countered by a firm vein of acidity, that gives drive and length, creating a wine that is fresh, lively and lingering. This has good midterm aging potential and will work perfectly as an aperitif as well as with lighter foods. We love this style because of its diversity, freshness and fruit purity.

Food Accompaniments

Shell fish, seafood, chicken, grilled vegetables

Awards, Reviews and other Notes

88 pts Wine Spectator 6/30/11
A crisp, refreshing style, dominated by lime flavors, with lemon, green apple and pear notes in the background and pretty floral accents on the finish. Drink now.

Winemaker Notes

"The cool yet sunny environment of our Te Awanga Vineyard near Cape Kidnappers allows the development of intense Chardonnay flavours in the grapes, captured using traditional winemaking techniques seen in the Chablis region of France. A modern, New World expression of pure Chardonnay. Pale straw in colour streaked with youthful green hues. Lemon zest, toasted almond, flint and chalk dust aromas meld for an enticing bouquet. The palate displays the winemakers craft - that is the tension and balance between the juicy, zesty core and the coastal infused acidity and freshness. Food Match: Aperitif or subtle fish dishes Cellaring: Up to 7 years from vintage"

Price

SKU

Varietal

$17.99

9343

Chardonnay