Bouchard Finlayson Crocodile's Lair Chardonnay 6 Bottle Case 75cl

Yet another low yielding vintage from this very consistent vineyard. Fruit health however proved to be excellent with the smaller bunches providing great flavour concentration. The first pick was as early as the last day in February and continued over the next two weeks. Harvest is invariably an exciting time awash with smells emanating from every corner of the winery, but few can rival the magical smell of fermenting Chardonnay in oak barrels. Bunches are added to the press intact and the juices extracted from the berries by long and gentle pressing, yielding more clarity and flavour complexities. Fermentation happens in oak barrels varying in age between new and fifth fill and typically lasts for a week. Thereafter, depending on vintage needs, a proportion of the barrels are prevented from completing malo-lactic fermentation, thus retaining palate freshness and gaining fruit focus. The final blend is racked from barrel following eight months maturation without any stirring of the lees and bottled with a light filtration. Sleek and refined, a most enjoyable spicy lemon drop aroma complexity announces white peach, nectarine and pear flavour delight. A refreshing salinity graces a lasting finish. Aging potential is excellent. Serve with pan-fried May Porcini mushrooms on bruschetta, freshly boiled West Coast Rock Lobster tail dipped in lemon aioli or simply from your favourite Chardonnay glass in good company