Lake Chalice 'The Raptor' Chardonnay 2021/22
The Raptor is a generic term for all birds of prey and there are four species of raptors that are native to New Zealand (one of which is the falcon). These superior birds fulfil a unique role with New Zealand’s ecosystem making them vital to the maintenance of a healthy New Zealand environment. The Lake Chalice 'Raptor' range of wines align with the birds of prey as (like the birds) they are superior examples. Winemaker, Chloe, targets particular small parcels of unique fruit, sometimes from a single vineyard, that stand out as excellent examples of a particular variety displaying clear varietal expression. The Chardonnay grapes for this wine are sourced exclusively from mature vines within a single hectare vineyard block called the Reed Vineyard. This beautiful vineyard is situated on an old riverbed, where the shallow, loamy Renwick soils are derived from stony alluvium and offer the wine excellent drainage. Fermentation took place in a selection of new and seasoned French oak barriques, lasting 10 months where malolactic conversion took place imparting a creamy texture. The Lake Chalice Raptor is a full bodied Chardonnay with bold flinty notes surrounded by peach undertones. The creamy palate has a wonderful balancing freshness and reveals layers of flint, lemon blossom and biscuity nuances complemented by subtle oak spice.
