2021 Rapaura Springs Marlborough Chardonnay Reserve

Founded in 2005, family-owned Rapaura Springs is one of the top 10 largest wineries in Marlborough. Purity and purity is what Rapaura Springs stands for. For example, the water used for the vines comes from the Rapaura Spring water source, far away from the vineyards. This crystal clear and pure water from the Wairau River flows through the rocks and travels for 6 months to reach the vineyards. The word 'Rapaura' therefore means: running water. There is great attention to detail within the New Zealand winery and the makers strive to make the most exceptional, clean and pure wines. All wines are sustainably produced.

The fruit for our 2021 Reserve Chardonnay is primarily grown in the Southern Valleys sub-region. The 2021 vintage was one of the earliest and shortest on record. The growing season was the third in a series of drought years, the stress on the vines being exacerbated by some serious storms. The combination of early frost and poor flowering resulted in lower yields and smaller trusses than usual. This, coupled with the dry conditions, has resulted in disease levels being incredibly low this year, resulting in better flavors and pristine fruit with good concentration, good tannin and good color but with seriously low yields of up to 40% less than previous years. So in summary, 2021 is one of the most beautiful vintages with good concentration and intensity of flavor but with a seriously low yield.

After the Chardonnay was harvested, the fruit was pressed and the juice fermented in 75% stainless steel and 25% new oak. A secondary malolactic fermentation has softened the wine and added extra texture and complexity to the palate. Rich and flavorful, each sip of the Rapaura Springs Chardonnay Reserve is bursting with honeysuckle, white peach, nectarine and fresh citrus characters, complemented by toasted vanilla and subtly spiced oak character such as hints of vanilla and freshly baked bread. All this framed with fresh and fresh acidity makes this New Zealand Marlborough Chardonnay a wonderfully pleasant glass.