Some of this country's best Chardonnay comes off the clay soils of the Moutere Hills in Nelson, and Luta Cirrus exhibits this beautifully. It also proves that bigger isn't better when it comes to great Chardonnay. It’s both elegant and energetic, with a concise core of stone fruit, citrus and fennel. It has mealy savouriness, creamy texture, and a lengthy, mineral finish. Clone 15 Chardonnay was hand harvested and whole bunch pressed before settling overnight. It was fermented and aged in oak barrique and puncheons, before a further 6 months in stainless steel before bottling. 

From their 5 hectare, organic vineyard in Nelson, Rob and Kate Burley produce balanced, bright wines in a range of styles. Rob draws on his depth of experience having worked for the likes of Patrick Sullivan and Bill Downie in Australia, and at the renowned wine bar Terroir in London. While his Unkel releases are supple, fun and approachable, his Luta wines display a seriousness and depth that place them among New Zealand's best.