02 Nov Outstanding vintage brings stunning Sacred Hill Chardonay
It’s somehow appropriate that the first wine released from Sacred Hill’s landmark 30th vintage is its 2015 Orange Label Chardonnay, given that the company has made its name as a specialist Chardonnay producer.
The wine is one of six different Hawke’s Bay Chardonnays Sacred Hill produces – including three premium Special Selection Chardonnay Collection (Riflemans, Wine Thief and Virgin) as well as HALO Chardonnay and Reserve Chardonnay – something that certainly wouldn’t have been envisaged when it was founded three decades ago.
Managing Director David Mason says Sacred Hill has always been about making deliciously drinkable wines to enjoy with family and friends, and the 2015 wines, which will carry a commemorative 30th vintage sticker to mark three decades of Sacred Hill winemaking, are still made in that tradition.
The 2015 vintage saw superb growing conditions in Hawke’s Bay for the third year in a row with a balanced growing season that was warm, dry and free of excessive heat or prolonged rainfall.
The renowned Rifleman’s Vineyard produced exceptional Chardonnay with concentrated citrus intensity and the resulting wines are fresh and complex.
For the Orange Label wine, the fruit was harvested in perfect condition and gently transferred to the press without crushing. It was fermented with French oak and underwent regular lees stirring to enhance palate weight and richness.
2015 Sacred Hill Orange Label Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay – Attractive straw colour. The aroma has ripe stone fruit, orange rind fragrance and nutty complexity. The palate has a rich core of ripe stone fruit and a soft textured palate line. Rich and tasty.
Food match: Garlic butter prawns fresh from the pan or barbecue.
2015 Sacred Hill Orange Label Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay is available from supermarkets throughout New Zealand and has a recommended retail price of $19.99.