Restless River Ava Marie 2020

This site-specific Chardonnay bears the name of it's vineyard. Only 2,06 ha in size and registered as a single vineyard. Specific parcels were handpicked and whole bunch pressed in an old Vaslin press.The oxidised juice was settled overnight and then gravity fed into french oak barrels (500ltr) and unlined terracota apmhorae. Natural fermentation and barrel aged for 11 months. Green apple, white pear, hints of lime, a touch saline and sometimes slightly flinty on the nose when young.  With a backbone of fresh acidity, this chardonnay ages and matures magnificently.

Small parcels hand-picked over 2 week period in early February. Whole bunch pressed, naturally settled and then racked into barrels and amphora. Indigenous fermentations, sulphur free, took up to 55 days and wine left sur lei for 11 months. MLF 30%. Judicious addition of sulphur and light fining before bottling. Bottle aged for a further 18 months before release.