2021 Elephant Hill Salome Chardonnay

Brand	Elephant Hill
Region	Hawkes Bay
Varietal	Chardonnay
Size	750ml
Alcohol %	13.5%
Vintage	2021
Country	New Zealand
Vegan
Vegetarian

The ‘Icons’ are the pinnacle of Elephant Hill’s winemaking philosophy. Salome Chardonnay is named after a famous ancestor of the Weiss family. Icon wines are only made in the best vintages where 2021 has been noted as one of the finest on record for Elephant Hill. From two very special fruit parcels, a shelf with stony soils on the Te Awanga vineyard site plus a smaller portion from their Bridge Pa Earth vineyard. 80% Clone 15 and 20% Mendoza, whole bunch pressed to barrel, natural yeast with a partial malolactic fermentation, 12 months in barrel and 5 months in tank on light lees. Simply a masterpiece... thoroughly delicious.

Creamy layers of freshly baked sourdough thickly spread with butter, hazelnuts and vanilla pods are underpinned by peach skin, prince melon, greengage, and a dash of lemon zest.

The aromas are rich and enticing whereas the palate surprisingly shows restraint. Stone fruit abounds with a knife-cutting acidity that gives laser definition, all superbly balanced by the rich, oily concentrated mid-palate. This really needs 3-4 years in a temperature-controlled cellar, and then you will concur 2021 is simply the best. Perfect with all white protein.