Luta Zephyr Chardonnay 2021 - 12.5%

60% handpicked from a more sun-exposed part of the vineyard and the remaining 40% from a more shaded, higher vigour parcel 10 days later. The fruit was whole-bunch pressed and settled overnight before being racked to and fermented in a mixture of puncheon and barrique barrels.

Aged on gross lees for 10 months, then racked to stainless steel and aged a further 6 months before being bottled in October 2022.

Fresh, delicate aronas of green apple, almond, apricot, honeysuckle, dried flowers and flint. Lighter in style compared to their Echoes Chardonnay or the Unkel Ziggy. The palate is nontheless textural with bright stone fruits alongside biscotti and a creamy and saline finish.

Exceptional value wine. Can be enjoyed now or cellared for 3-8 years.

Luta is another project of Rob and Kate Burley based in Nelson New Zealand, Unkel Wines being the original. This range is focused on two different single vineyard sites providing distinct, pure terroir expressions of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The wines are handled with care and are given longer time in barrel and bottle before release versus their Unkel Jester Range.