Wine Composition

100% Chardonnay

Winemakers Comments

A classic Valhalla Chardonnay, the 2021 has a rich golden hue with masses of smoky, nutty, and savoury aromas balanced with citrus and stone fruits. The palate is equally rich and ripe with great palate depth balanced with vibrant citrus notes and a maritime freshness. The tannins are structured to complement the acid profile providing a salivating appeal designed to freshen the palate and allow the drinker to delve further into the bottle… Drink now or enjoy for a decade. 

Awards

New Zealand Wine Rater | 90 points (2019)

Technical Analysis

Alcohol Percentage 

14%

TA

7.8 g/l

pH

3.12

RS

0 g/l

Vinification 

The 2021 Valhalla Chardonnay is hand picked off our steep dry farmed vineyards ranging from sheltered south facing clay hillsides to elevated and exposed volcanic sites. All our Chardonnay parcels are hand harvested and bunch sorted in the winery before being macerated prior to pressing. Un-fined and with the solids mixed, the juice undergoes a spontaneous fermentation. The fermenting juice is then transferred to large format barrels for fermentation which is hot hard and fast peaking at about 32 degrees. The wines are left on gross lees in puncheon until Spring and are then sulphured to prevent Malolactic fermentation. After 11 months the wine is racked once to the blend.

Winemaker 

Duncan McTavish

Winery

The Man O’ War story begins with a special piece of land rich in history. Located at the eastern end of Waiheke Island, Man O’ War is a stunning array of coastal hillsides with high cliffs and pristine beaches forming a ruggedly beautiful coastline.

It was along this coastline that Captain James Cook came to anchor during his first voyage around the islands of New Zealand in 1769. Upon sighting the ancient stands of magnificent Kauri trees ashore, Cook noted in his journals that they would make ideal masts for the Man O’ War warships of the Royal Navy. Thus the name Man O’ War was bestowed upon this unique land.