Scout's first Marlborough Chardonnay! 

548 clone fruit was handpicked from a the clay hillside vineyard belonging to Josh Hammond (a buddy of ours who also makes ripper booze as well - look out for his new label coming soon!) in the Fairhall area of the Southern Valleys.

Whole bunch pressed to a mix of puncheons and barriques for wild ferment. A small portions was also fermented on skins to give an element of texture to the middle and back palate. We find this technique really helps bring a savoury, umami edge to the wines as well - something we love in Chardonnay. The wine naturally went through MLF with minimal stirring before bottling in Feb 2020. 

Lots of classic Marlborough Chardonnay citrus fruit matched with gun smoke and savoury notes. Lovely brisk acidity that brings the palate to a close, showing some of the chewy extract from the skin ferment portion as well.