…complex character

The 6th release of this limited edition barrel fermented premium quality Chardonnay of outstanding lineage. This flagship ‘Irwin’ Chardonnay is a tribute to the late Bill Irwin and his son Denis, the founders of Matawhero Wines. Bill is considered the father of modern viticulture in New Zealand.
He imported new varietals including this Mendoza Chardonnay into New Zealand back in the late 1960's. Bill was also corresponding with viticultural experts in Europe, Australia and the States and was responsible for the importation of virus-free rootstock into New Zealand. Which gave vineyards of the 1970’s and the wine industry, a strong base which to flourish.
The fruit was harvested from the famous Tietjen vineyard situated on the ‘Golden Slopes’ - which had achieved superb ripeness. The grapes, 100% Mendoza Chardonnay were gently pressed and slightly clarified prior to fermentation. The juice was then inoculated with an indigenous yeast from the vineyard using a technique called Pied du Cuvé. This gives a ‘true sense of place’ of the vineyard and provides layers of complexity and palate texture. Fermentation was in a mix of American and Hungarian oak barriques (with a third being new) which gave a perfect integration of oak character, and a full 100% malolactic fermentation has added palate richness and length. The wine was ‘sur lie’ for 9 months before being fined and bottled.

★ On the nose you have ripe peaches, melon, along with wildflowers and freshly baked bread crust. This Chardonnay has a complex and multi layered personality, first revealing those fleshy peaches and melon flavours, combined with blanched almonds and subtle vanilla nuances that gives reference to the diligent time in mixed oak barrels, and resulting in a fine texture and breadth. The generous nature and character of this wine is balanced and kept focused by a solid core of varietal acidity and signing off with a classic dry finish.

This 2021 Matawhero ‘IRWIN’ Chardonnay has 13.7% Alc./vol. A dry style with 2.3g/L of residual sugar. Chill gently and serve in an appropriate medium-full shaped wine glass at 9°- 10°C • *NZ$60.00

CELLARING POTENTIAL: *(Review 23/11/24)
With cool decanting, drinking well this season; plus, it can age gracefully for another 5 - 7 years.

FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Perfect wine pairing with slow roasted or grilled chicken with gruyère-mash, turkey, pork-n-crackling, pumpkin gnocchi with a creamy sauce, varied vegetarian cuisine and aged creamy cheeses on crusty bread - enjoy.