Windrush Marlborough Organic "Empire" Chardonnay 2024 / NZ-BIO-003 / L1

Wir haben ihn zu Recht vermisst, vereint er doch absolute hand-made Klasse und nicht erschlagende, aber doch stattliche Proportionen mit genau dem richtigen Touch von Barrique und leckerster Frucht zu einem echten Lieblingswein - easy drinking ganz, ganz weit und hoch gefasst. Vanille und Aprikose mit frischem Zitrus und einem Hauch von Feuerstein, das ist der Auftakt zu diesem (wunder)vollen Chardonnay, der dann am Gaumen mit viel feinerer Art überrascht als man bei der expressiven Nase zunächst erwartet. Dennoch hat er alles, was ein Klasse-Chardonnay braucht: diese üppigen Anklänge an Crème Brulée und Banane, diese wahnsinns-saftige, reife Pink Grapefruit, Melone, dazu geröstete Mandeln und wieder Zitronen im Abgang. Fazit: riecht opulent, trinkt sich wie von selbst. Frucht und Körper perfekt vereint. Einfach zurücklehnen und genießen!

Flaschengröße (Liter): 0,75
Land: Neuseeland
Weingut: Windrush Organic
Region: Neuseeland, Marlborough
Weinberg: Estate grown. Gee Street
In 2016 we planted a very small vineyard (722 vines) at Gee Street, Renwick. The unique thing about this vineyard is that it was developed organically rather than converted once established. We planted three chardonnay clones, mainly 548 but a little 1066 & 121 which are quite rare in New Zealand.
Rebsorten: 100% Chardonnay
Viticulture/Growing: BioGro (NZ) Certified Organic
Weinart: Weißwein
Winemaking: Hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, the grapes were whole bunch pressed with minimal sulphur additions. After cold settling, the juice was racked into French oak barrels, with 20% being new. Fermentation occurred naturally with indigenous yeasts and light lees stirring and malolactic fermentation were employed to enhance complexity and depth of flavour. The wine was bottled early to preserve its fresh and vibrant characteristics.
Barrique? Yes, 100% Oak ferment, 20% new oak, 5 months batonnage, 100% malolactic fermentation. The barrels were left to ferment unaided with indigenous yeasts.
Alkohol % vol.: 13
Säure g/l: 5,4
Restzucker g/l: 0,97 g/l
Schwefel mg/l total: 102
ph: 3,43
Suitable for Vegans: Ja – ist aber nicht vegan-zertifiziert
Lot: L1
Haltbarkeit: am besten bis 2028+
Allergene: Enthält Sulfite
Winemaker: Cullen Neal
Ausführer: Windrush Vineyard Ltd - NZ BG 5186/08, 427 State Highway 63, RD 1, Renwick 7271, 7271, Renwick, Neuseeland
Abfüller: Sugar Loaf Wines - NZ BG 6011/01, 230 Rapaura Road, 7272, Blenheim, Neuseeland (NZ)
Einführer und verantwortlicher Lebensmittelunternehmer: Apell Weine, Martin Apell, Ahnatalstraße 125, 34128 Kassel, Deutschland
Winemakers comments: The wine presents intense aromas of stone flint, vanilla, and peach, complemented by fresh citrus notes and a hint of crème Brule. On the palate, flavours of pink grapefruit, ripe melon, apricot, and toasty hazelnuts are prominent, with subtle hints of lemon zest lingering on the finish.
Vintage: The vintage of 2024 has proven to be exceptional, characterised by unique weather conditions and an outstanding harvest. Marlborough faced a very dry winter, followed by isolated spring frost events, resulting in fewer and smaller bunches than usual. This season also witnessed record-breaking dryness and sunshine, leading to drought conditions being declared in mid-March. Fortunately, timely rain revitalised our vineyards, preventing berry shrivelling and ensuring a healthy crop. The warm, sunny days and smaller yields prompted our harvest to commence about one week earlier than usual. The cooler nights helped maintain excellent acidity levels while disease pressure remained remarkably low.
Your favourite recipe for this wine: Perfect match with scallops, white fish, poultry and BBQ pork.

Meinungen (Auszug):
Cam Douglas MS, January 11, 2025:
Windrush Organic Empire Chardonnay 2024, Marlborough
Complex, a little closed, youthful and pure fruited with layers of spice and mineral. Aromas and flavours of white peach-cream and apple, a layer of white nectarine and vanilla, clay and stone mineral qualities. Taut, dry, youthful and palate awakening structure. A wine to cellar and develop with a flinty acid drive, nicely chosen oak influences and saline mouthfeel. Some lees and barrel smoke add complexity and intrigue. Well made with best drinking from late 2026 through 2-33.
95 Points
Outstanding