2020, Chardonnay, Astrolabe

Winery - Astrolabe Astrolabe, founded in 1996 by winemaker Simon Waghorn in the Marlborough region of New Zealand, is a winery that epitomizes innovation and excellence. Named after the navigational instrument, Astrolabe is a symbol of exploration and discovery in winemaking. The winery, known for its commitment to showcasing the distinct characteristics of Marlborough's sub-regions, employs sustainable viticulture and advanced winemaking techniques. This approach, combined with a focus on quality over quantity, has earned Astrolabe a reputation for producing wines that are not only award-winning but also true reflections of their terroir.

Wine Region - Marlborough, New Zealand Marlborough, located at the northeastern tip of the South Island of New Zealand, is renowned for its sauvignon blanc, but it is also an outstanding region for chardonnay. The region's diverse microclimates and soil types, ranging from alluvial gravel to clay, contribute to the unique expressions of Chardonnay here. The cool maritime climate, with significant diurnal temperature variation, aids in preserving the acidity and developing complex flavor profiles in the grapes, making Marlborough an ideal region for producing vibrant and nuanced Chardonnay.

Varietal - Chardonnay Astrolabe's Chardonnay is a single-varietal wine that highlights the best characteristics of Marlborough Chardonnay. Known for its versatility, Chardonnay in Marlborough typically exhibits a balance between fruitiness and acidity, with a characteristic crispness. Astrolabe’s Chardonnay is expected to showcase a spectrum of flavors from ripe stone fruit to subtle oak influences, reflecting both the varietal’s profile and the unique terroir of the vineyards.

Vintage - Weather Conditions and Impact The vintage of Astrolabe's Chardonnay was characterized by a favorable growing season with consistent, moderate temperatures and timely rainfall. These conditions allowed for a slow, even ripening of the grapes, ensuring a balance of natural sugars and acidity. The result is a Chardonnay that is both well-rounded and vibrant, showcasing the exceptional quality of the fruit produced in that year.

Description

• Appearance: The wine displays a bright, pale yellow hue, indicative of its freshness and vitality.
• Aroma: Aromatic notes of ripe peach, nectarine, and citrus are complemented by subtle hints of vanilla and toast from oak aging.
• Palate: The palate is rich and textured, offering flavors of lemon curd and melon with a backbone of crisp acidity, leading to a long, elegant finish.
• Cellaring Potential: This Chardonnay has excellent aging potential, with its structure and balance suggesting it will develop further complexity over time.
• Serving Temperature: Ideal serving temperature is around 10-12°C to fully appreciate its flavor profile.
• Food Pairings: Versatile with food, it pairs wonderfully with creamy pasta dishes, seafood, poultry, and soft cheeses.

Astrolabe’s Chardonnay is a must-have for any wine cellar, particularly for those who appreciate the elegance and complexity of New Zealand wines. This Chardonnay is a testament to Marlborough's capacity to produce world-class wines beyond Sauvignon Blanc. Its balance of fruit, acidity, and subtle oak aging makes it a versatile choice for various occasions and cuisines. Including this wine in your cellar offers the opportunity to experience the evolution of a beautifully crafted Chardonnay over time, showcasing the best of what Marlborough has to offer.