Catalina Sounds Chardonnay 2022

Product Information:

Near perfect conditions pre-harvest allowed for extra ‘hang time’ for the fruit to ripen and develop flavour.  The result is a fresh and lively Chardonnay that evolves in the glass. Straw yellow in colour with pale lime hues, the first swirl brings charming aromas of salted caramel, stone fruit, buttered toast and subtle spices. The palate is full with a moreish creaminess, finely balanced texture and a long-lasting, impressive finish. 

Fruit from both vineyards were harvested 10 days apart on the 15th and 25th of March 2022. A hands-off approach is taken and juice is settled for a day without any additions before transferring to a large old-oak cuve for Ra Nui and smaller French oak puncheons for Sound of White. All oak is either 2nd or 3rd fill or older, meaning no new oak, allowing a really pure and unique expression of Chardonnay from Marlborough and Catalina Sounds. This wine is vegan friendly.

Maker:

Catalina sounds officially took flight in 2005 with a singular vision to produce the best wines in Marlborough. Named after the majestic Catalina flying boats and the iconic Marlborough Sounds at our doorstep, Catalina Sounds produces wines that are true to the region and our vineyard sites while building an extra textural dimension – wines that are uniquely Catalina Sounds. The name comes from the majestic Catalina flying boats that played a vital role across the South Pacific during and after World War II. New Zealand’s famous and largest warbird, the Catalina is a rare sight, in fact there are only a handful of these beautiful, iconic planes left in the world today. Get up close to the label, and you can just spot the reflection of the Catalina soaring across the Sounds.

Evolved from their humble origins, Catalina Sounds has quickly reputation for producing premium Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc throughout the world. Now pushing into new varieties such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. Their aim remains to produce a single vineyard range from their over achieving estate vineyard, 'Sound of White'.

Catalina Sounds is accredited with Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand, a core element of their winemaking and viticultural philosophy is protecting, regenerating and planning for a sustainable future. In recent years, Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) certification has become an integral piece of their vision to produce the best wines of Marlborough. Catalina Sounds considers AMW as the benchmark for protecting provenance and a signifier of integrity and quality as they look toward the future of Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough in a supply constrained market.

Vineyard:

Balance and quality is key when picking Chardonnay fruit. Chardonnay is suited to the two exclusive vineyards that create our Catalina Sounds Chardonnay; Sound of White, the home vineyard in the Waihopai Valley, part of the Southern Valleys sub-district and Ra Nui in the Lower Wairau Valley which is close to the east coast of Marlborough. Both sites are distinct in their climate and aspect, which is the basis for creating wines that are uniquely Catalina Sounds.

The 21/22 season is one for the books. Winter rains replenished parched soils and broke a three-year drought. A warm and wet winter continued into spring, bringing lush growth to the vines, a perfect flowering and an abundance of fruit. January was warm and dry, and decisions to reduce yields on all our Pinot Noir ensured quality was the driver. This was beneficial as February saw a significant rain event, followed by cool weather, slowing ripening and retaining acids. March was near perfect weather wise, allowing ‘hang time’ for the fruit to ripen and develop flavour. Individual parcels were picked over 14 days from the 15th to 29th March.

Nose - Salted Caramel, Stone Fruit, Buttered Toast and Spice
Refreshing nose of spiced apple, citrus pith, subtle smoke and herb.

Palate - Creamy Texture, Tangy Apple, Zippy Acid
Light-weight on the palate with a rounded texture, finishing on cinnamon, vanilla-wrapped fruit and zippy acidity.

Finish - Rounded Texture, Cinnamon, Vanilla
Youthful but accessibly fruit-driven while remaining bright and fresh.

A cool mineral edge to the light, refreshing nose of spiced apple, citrus pith, subtle smoke and herb. Cool-climate style with a sweet and tangy apple note. Light-weight on the palate with a rounded texture, finishing on cinnamon, vanilla-wrapped fruit and zippy acidity. This is youthful but accessibly fruit-driven while remaining bright and fresh. For the near term. - Stephen Wong, The Real Review.

The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Chardonnay
Country - Australia
Region - Marlborough
Vintage - 2022
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13%
Other - Vegan