Vineyard Description

Located on the warm easterly plateau of the Maraekakaho, the fruit from the Waikahu site is grown on sandy loam over red stained gravels. The area consists of some of New Zealand’s oldest soils dating back thousands of years.

Winemaking

The Matthews family, who are the attentive vignerons of this prestigious vineyard, ensure the fruit is of an exceptional quality. Challenging conditions including late rainfall during the 2006 Hawkes Bay harvest placed much emphasis on the timing of harvest. Selected bunches of the individual clones were hand harvested and gently pressed with the resulting juice naturally fermented in 50% new French barrels. The Waikahu Chardonnay is created with minimal winemaking intervention, a true representation of the terroir of this unique grapegrowing site.

Winemaker's Comment

The 2006 Waikahu displays pure and delicate aromas of white peach, flowers, flint and meal, which harmonise with an equally appealing palate. Creamy cashew and tight grained oak notes meld with polished fruit to form a seamless combination of understated power and length.