Catalina Sounds Chardonnay 2022

WINEMAKER COMMENTS

The 21/22 season is one for the books. Winter rains replenished parched soils and broke a three-year drought. A warm and wet winter continued into spring, bringing lush growth to the vines, a perfect flowering and an abundance of fruit. January was warm and dry, and decisions to reduce yields on all our Pinot Noir ensured quality was the driver. This was beneficial as February saw a significant rain event, followed by cool weather, slowing ripening and retaining acids. March was near perfect weather wise, allowing ‘hang time’ for the fruit to ripen and develop flavour. Individual parcels were picked over 14 days from the 15th to 29th March. Straw yellow in colour with pale lime hues, the first swirl brings charming aromas of salted caramel, stone fruit, buttered toast and subtle spices. The flavours are fresh and lively, immediately followed by beautifully soft fruit and creamy texture in the mid-palate. A citric line carries the flavours to a brilliantly long and lingering finish. Matt Ward