30-Oct-2017
Clearview Estate ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay has been one of this country’s most highly regarded of that varietal for nearly three decades. The wine is one of the richer, more opulent and complex styles produced, but it has been becoming more refined, and dare I say it, more elegant over the years. Proprietor and winemaker Tim Turvey wanted to make an ultra-premium Chardonnay of the style, that harked back to the original wines, but taken even further. It would be made from the oldest Mendoza clone vines, planted in 1989, be a blend of Old and New World techniques, given extended oak maturation, the fruit in a condition that could encompass wild yeast fermentation 100% new oak and 100% MLF and plenty of lees work. It would also reflect the Te Awanga terroir as well as carry the bold Clearview Estate personality. Thus was born the ‘Endeavour’ Chardonnay, the Clearview Estate white flagship, made in exceptional years, and a partner to the ‘Basket Press Red’. The 2015 is the sixth vintage released, the previous vintages being 2013, 2009, 2007, 2004 and 2002. Clearview Estate winemaker Matt Kirby notes that the 2015 was made with greater refinement than earlier vintages. www.clearviewestate.co.nz
