Nautilus Chardonnay 2021

Joelle Thomson writes "This wine is a labour of love, made with hand-picked grapes grown by Jim and Debbie Greer in Renwick, Marlborough with winemaking by Clive Jones, the long-term Nautilus winemaker. Barrel fermentation was with wild yeasts in French oak barriques, 20% new, with minimal lees stirring to add depth but retain restrained flavours. Deliciously fresh and bright with bold, ripe citrus flavours of grapefruit and a medium body, a long finish and lingering flavours. Very good now and will develop into and even more gorgeous Chardonnay in five to six years."

The winery writes "The 2021 Nautilus Chardonnay is straw-coloured with a lifted nose of ripe nectarines, apricots, brioche, and toasted hazelnuts with a hint of flinty complexity. The palate displays stone fruits, honeysuckle, and a nutty complexity from the natural ferments. The palate has good depth and concentration with a refreshingly long finish. This wine has a tight mineral structure and will develop a creamy texture as it matures."