Smith & Sheth CRU Chardonnay Heretaunga 2018

Vibrant pale straw colour with some green tinges. Fresh and fruit driven, almost Chablis-like in style. Complex and light on its feet. Vibrant acidity balanced by a creamy, lingering texture.

The Heretaunga appellation encompasses the plains and river terraces of the Hawke’s Bay region. Smith & Sheth source from private growers as well as their own estates in Bridge Pa, Omahu and Mangatahi: all sub-regions of the Heretaunga appellation. These vineyards, all on gravelly soils, have a long history of producing exceptional wines that truly represent the potential of Hawke’s Bay Syrah and Chardonnay. Chardonnay, Caberent Franc and Albrino are all sourced from here.

100 % Hand harvested fruit was whole bunch pressed and then fermented in a blend of new and aged French oak barriques, 19% new oak. 100 % indigenous malolactic fermentation with a small amount of lees stirring during the 10 months in barrel before bottling. Minimal filtration.

Matured in oak barriques (19% new) for 10 months.