Block 2 Chardonnay 2023

Located in the heart of Central Otago on New Zealand's South Island, Felton Road's Block 2 vineyard lies within the renowned Bannockburn sub-region. Planted on gently sloping terraces, it benefits from a cool continental climate with significant temperature variations, ideal for the slow and complete ripening of the Chardonnay grapes. The soils, composed of loess, fine silt, and schistous gravel, offer excellent drainage and low vigor. This combination of climate and terroir imparts a precise, taut expression to the wine, deeply marked by its origin.

The grapes are harvested by hand and then pressed as whole bunches before gentle settling. The must is then transferred by gravity into French oak barrels, where fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts. Malolactic fermentation occurs naturally. Aging continues on fine lees in barrels, with a moderate proportion of new oak, without excessive stirring to preserve aromatic purity and mineral tension, until bottling without aggressive filtration.

This wine reveals notes of ripe citrus , green apple , and stone fruit , complemented by delicate floral touches, spicy nuances, and a subtle toasty oak character underpinned by a chalky minerality . The palate is ample yet precise, driven by a lively and perfectly integrated acidity, with a precise balance between concentration and freshness. The finish is long, saline, and slightly smoky, leaving an impression of purity and lingering elegance.

Introduced in 1819, viticulture was greatly developed by Jean-Baptiste Pompallier, a French Marist missionary. Sent to Oceania in 1837, he settled there in January 1838 to develop New Zealand's vineyards. The first quality vineyards were established in the Hawke's Bay region during the 19th and early 20th centuries. After production setbacks initially caused by phylloxera and then the First World War, the vineyards began to expand again during the Second World War, doubling in size. Today, New Zealand has 10 major wine regions spread across the North and South Islands, the largest of which is Marlborough. Most of New Zealand's wine regions have a maritime climate. The country's long, narrow shape means that vineyards are never more than 120 km from the coast, and most are even much closer (with the exception of the semi-continental region of Central Otago). A mountain spine running through the center of the country protects most of the major wine regions from the strong westerly winds from the Tasman Sea known as the "Roaring Forties." Because of these winds, there are few wine regions on New Zealand's west coast. The quality and reputation of New Zealand wines are well established. Indeed, the country produces some of the best and most renowned Sauvignon Blanc in the world. And it's no coincidence that New Zealand has managed to make Sauvignon Blanc its symbol, alongside its sheep, kiwifruit, and the legendary haka!