Nga Waka ‘Martinborough’ Chardonnay 2022
Grape Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Growing Region: Martinborough - New Zealand
Founder / Winemaker: Roger Parkinson
For three decades I have enjoyed the diligently crafted wines by Roger. These wines have always been both vintage and terroir expressive, along with alluding to attentive decisions made in the vineyard and winery. To use a well known local kiwi rugby phrase, the 2022 growing season, was a game of two halves, with some very tough decisions made with great care just weeks and days before the harvest of the fruit for this wine. Though this being said, with local knowledge and knowhow Roger has produced an honest and deftly-crafted Chardonnay that fits perfectly into your glass. This 2022 expression has a considerate palate structure compared with recent vintages, and will favourably repay another 3 - 4 years cellaring.
Roger crafted this Martinborough Chardonnay from vineyards that the winery either owns or have complete control - which assists with producing desirable fruit. This Chardonnay was sourced from three vineyard sites - that include the Omarere Block (planted in 1995), Top Block (1996) and the Pirinoa Block (2000). After careful harvesting and pressing, the juice was 100% barrel fermented in tight-grain French oak barriques (with 20% being new oak). As with previous vintages no malolactic fermentation, with only the barrels being lee-stirred regularly, as the wine developed in oak barrel for 10 months before bottling.
★ In the glass you will be greeted by a pale peach skin colour with a shining hue. On the nose an appealing aroma revealing apples, peaches, nectarines, popcorn and lightly toasted almonds. The broad and engaging palate has a charming complexity, showcasing those ripe stone fruit flavours of peaches and nectarines. Along with grilled pineapple, white honey, toasted almonds and an apple pastry nuance. These characters are supported by a charming textural palate from thoughtful barrel fermentation in French oak. This vintage has a delicate infusion of fruit acidity resulting in a harmonious early integration, and presenting a well-dressed finish.
This 2022 Nga Waka ‘Martinborough’ Chardonnay has 13.5% Alc./vol. Crafted in a classic dry style. Chill gently and serve in a generously shaped oak wine glass at 9º- 10ºC. *NZ$32.99
CELLARING POTENTIAL: *(Article Posted 9/11/23)
Drinking perfectly well this summer season; plus will repay and age nicely for another 3 - 4 years.
FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Perfect wine pairing with stuffed roast chicken, pork-n-crackling w/ apple sauce, chicken, courgette & brie pizza, homemade gnocchi w/ pumpkin & sage sauce, and aged creamy cheeses on crusty bread - enjoy.
