Goldwater Zell Waiheke Island Chardonnay 2008

Winemakers Notes

The 2008 Vintage was the best vintage across varieties we grow on Waiheke,warm and dry throughout the growing season with a perfect March and April ripening period. Because the weather was so good during flowering, we thinned the first fruit to allow concentrated flavours at harvest. The grapes were harvested in perfect condition.

The fruit was hand picked; whole bunch pressed and barrel fermented with 95% indigenous yeast. The wine was then matured in barrel on yeast lees with full malo-lactic fermentation and weekly battonage. After 12 months the barrels were individually selected to become Zell chardonnay.

The wine is straw yellow in appearance with extremely bright and intense aromas of ripe nectarine and peach all supported by toasty oak and mealy barrel fermentation characters. It has a velvety texture, soft, silky smooth and full bodied with nectarine, caramel and ginger marmalade flavours. All balanced by fine acidity and framed by toasty new oak giving a long and intense finish.

Minimal handling in the winery and maximum effort in the vineyard has resulted in a wine that reflects its vineyard and season that can be enjoyed over the next 4-5 years.

Critiques

2002 vintage - 90 Points
"Nicely done, with toasty oak, mealy notes that are balanced by ripe pear and peach fruit. Hints of grilled fruit and roasted nuts complete the picture, finishing with lingering echoes of smoke."
JC, Wine Enthusiast, USA, Aug 2004

2002 vintage - 90 Points 
"This wine's cool climate chardonnay character comes across in lemon, tart apple and mineral depths. In that way it parallels a Chablis' spicy leesiness. The style is round and savoury."
Wine and Spirits Magazine, USA, Jan/Feb 2004

2001 vintage 
"Well fruited, fragrant and alive Waiheke Chardonnay showing some dynamism with a little lees and oak underlying some excellent fruit. A very classy wine, showing considerable intensity, softening nicely after two years - an incredibly good Waiheke Chardonnay. Ready to be enjoyed from now on."
Peter Saunders F & B April 2003

2000 vintage
Gold medal winner, International Wine and Spirit Competition, London 2002

2000 vintage 
"You may mistake this light and elegant Chard for a white Burgundy; It's light on the nose, with flour-chalk and herbal notes. Apple-skin and tart pear flavors take over in the mouth. Even and medium-bodied on the palate, it finishes gravelly in texture, with lime -rind and herb flavors."
D.M. The Wine Enthusiast (12/15/2001)

1999 vintage - 90 points
"Bright and spicy, with zippy lime and mineral notes complementing the basic melon and apple flavors. Lasts impressively on the finish. Drink now through 2005."
The Wine Spectator, Issue Nov 15, 2000