Nelson seems to excel at this kind of Chardonnay - fresh, mineral and driven, without the signs of overt winemaking (oak) that you might expect from the variety. Laurie Stradling delivers exactly that. Although, as well as being unadorned and racy, this has a harmonious, supple mid palate. It’s delicious. Fruit came from an organic, north facing vineyard of 20 year old vines in Kina Beach, in between Richmond and Motueka. It was hand picked and fermented in puncheons, with 10% of the fruit on skins for 10 days. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered. 

After a couple of decades of managing organic viticulture in Nelson, and a degree in Viticulture and Oenology, Laurie Stradling clearly has a handle on getting the best from a vineyard. With his wife Sumaia, he’s produced his first Nelson Chardonnay under his own label, and we’re excited to see what comes next.