Description

ABOUT THE PRODUCER:
Founded by Tim and Judy Finn (now retired) in 1978 who were pioneers of the Nelson wine industry and Tim Finn was a founding member of Sustainable Winegrowing NZ. Their daughter Rosie Finn carries on the family tradition in the role of Sales & Marketing/Director together with winemaker/GM Todd Stevens and viticulturalist Stef Brockley. The focus is on sustainability with the winery run on solar power aided by the fact that Nelson has some of the longest sunshine hours in New Zealand. All estate owned blocks are organically certified and the old vines are dry farmed. All wines are bottled in lightweight glass.

THE VINTAGE:
A dry start to the season followed by a wetter than normal November. A welcome change to early summer and autumn with drier and warmer months (December-April). Minor rain events ensured canopies stayed “refreshed” before a trouble-free harvest period. A generous season producing wines of volume and precision.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
Purchased by Tim and Judy Finn in 1978, this vineyard is the source of the original Moutere Chardonnay, some of the first Chardonnay vines planted in the South Island. The soil is clay and gravel, dry farmed and 100% organically cultivated, with additions of Bokashi compost, undervine mowing with minimal soil disturbance and horticultural oil, sulphur and minimal copper spray inputs. Combination 2 cane and spur pruning to regulate yields and grapes 100% hand harvested.

THE WINEMAKING PROCESS:
Grapes are pressed on gentle cycle followed by 24-48 hour settling. Fermentation is made using 100% wild yeast with a high solids proportion in the must in French oak barriques, 15% new, medium toast for 10 months on full lees with monthly battonage until completion of natural malolactic (100%), followed by 3 months on fine lees in stainless steel tank.

OUR TASTING NOTES:
A wine of stature, history and elegance. Classically, notes of oyster shell, cashew nuts and gentle oak are gracefully intertwined and come to a crescendo of complex purity. Although powerful, Home Block Moutere Chardonnay imbodies restraint, poise and longevity. It is in equal measure seductive, alluring, intelligent, modern and sophisticated.

GRAPE VARIETY:
Chardonnay 100%.