BABICH IRONGATE CHARDONNAY 2001

Overview:
Babich has been producing Irongate Chardonnay since 1985 and has evolved into this richly flavoured, balanced and elegant wine. The vines which produce Irongate are selected in the vineyard at pruning and crop levels are closely monitored to ensure excellent flavour concentration in the grapes.

Region:
Hawke’s Bay

Winemaker: 
Adam Hazeldine

Recommended Cellaring: 
3-6 years

Production Notes:
The grapes were harvested in early March and quickly pressed, the juice was then transported to the winery and transferred to a blend of new and old French oak barriques for alcoholic fermentation. The wine did not undergo malolactic fermentation. After 10 months in oak, on lees and with frequent stirring, the wine was blended and bottled in late February 2001.

Tasting Notes: 
The wine is generous and approachable - scented with peach and citrus with just a hint of apple and a nutty undertone. The palate is viscous and intensely sweet fruited. Firm acidity is evident on the lengthy finish.

Awards:
SILVER MEDAL
-International Chardonnay Challenge, New Zealand, 2004

Reviews:
“The small volume 2001 vintage has a youthful, minerally bouquet leading into a tightly structured palate with deep flavours of grapefruit and nuts and the steely finish typical of the label. It’s more expressive in its youth than some past vintages, but bound to mature well for several years.”
4.5 STARS
-Michael Cooper, Buyer's Guide to New Zealand Wines, 2005

"Brassy yellow/gold. Mellow, nutty/toasty, complex bouquet with a trace of citrus and minerals. Firm, fresh, direct impact has a cool demeanour and deep fruit tone. Slightly buttery, toasty notes slip on into the mid palate where the fruit is deep and true, with a strong mineral theme. Firm finish is long and toasty, with a shadow of intense fruit riding all the way on a lingering end. Very dry, mineral infused, stylish wine."
-Keith Stewart, www.sommnet.com, November, 2004

"Hawkes Bay Chardonnay at its best – deeper, quite concentrated after four years, and with just a little oak nicely melded. A wine with superb balance after four years, a delicious wine in fine drinking condition."
5 STARS
-Winestate Magazine, Hawke's Bay Tasting, July, 2005