Forrest Waitaki Valley Chardonnay 2011 Wine Review

Forrest Waitaki Valley Chardonnay 2011

Marlborough, New Zealand

Community Score:87/100

Community Reviews: 1

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Drink: 2015-2018

Alcohol: 12%

Sweetness: Dry

Wine Type: White Wine

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Pricing & Stock Information

BCLDB
11111
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Reviews and Ratings

Steve Kubota rated this wine as 87/100 with the following review:

JOHN FORREST
WAITAKI VALLEY CHARDONNAY 2011
NORTH OTAGO (MARLBOROUGH), NEW ZEALAND

From the Winery:
Cocooned by mountains on all sides, the Waitaki Valley wine-growing region lies 40km inland from the Pacific Ocean, stretching a mere 20km between Duntroon and Kurow on the southern flanks of the Waitaki River. Here, gentle north-facing slopes allow successful viticulture similar to Central Otago, with 1000 plus growing degree days. Unique to the region however, are the soils - free-draining river gravels, inter-layered with ancient limestone seabed. This combination of unique soil and climate gives Waitaki Valley wines their own distinctive personality; while still reflecting characteristics typical of Otago.

These wines are a tribute to my friend and mentor, the late Howard Patterson, a visionary who recognized the viticultural potential of the Waitaki Valley. “Making wine is a very personal endeavour, yet one winemakers love to share. For me, winemaking combines my exuberant personality and scientist’s love of experimentation with a continuous quest to capture the best the land, the vines and vintage has to offer. I am proud to share these wines with you.” Dr. John Forrest

Doctors John and Brigid Forrest are Forrest, a small, very much 'hands-on" producer of premium quality white wine from their home vineyards in Marlborough. Whilst in partnership they produce the Cornerstone Bordeaux red from their vineyard in the Gimblett Gravels Region of Hawke's Bay and premium Pinot Noir from their vineyards in Bannockburn and the Waitaki Valley, Otago

Leaving behind careers in molecular biology and medicine, John and Brigid returned to Marlborough in 1988 to establish their first vineyard at Renwick - at the heart of the stony Wairau River Valley. To the often asked question "why did you do it?" the answer is, a mixture of the wine 'passion' and a desire to achieve and be recognised and rewarded for one's efforts. In hindsight we struck upon a career which suits our personalities - a perfect blend of art and science.

Grape growing and winemaking is an exacting science, however it must have the artistic touch to give the wines 'soul'. That individual expression of style is the trademark of our wines - rich aromatic white wine, and powerfully scented reds - all impeccably structured and a joy to drink.

Niche warm north west sloping, 5-15°, vineyard consisting of ancient white limestone soils inter layered with Waitaki river gravels allows grapes to truly ripen in these southerly latitudes: “Cool climate viticulture on the edge”. This vintage of my Waitaki Chardonnay can be best described as a southern hemisphere twist on French Chablis. Fermented and aged in seasoned French oak barrels it has a delicate fragrant bouquet of green apple, aromatic herbs following through to nutty, toasted brioche undertones. A powerful weighty wine with refined citrus flavours, buttery, creamy on the palate with a strong “chalky” mineral backbone.

My Tasting Notes:

I tasted the Forrest Collection Chardonnay at a New Zealand Bubbly and Chardonnay promotion. The wines were chosen by an astute panel of industry experts in New Zealand to help showcase the best of the best wines for each category. There are two main islands that comprise New Zealand. The Forrest Chardonnay was tasted with four other south island producers and six producers from the north island. There are quite contrasting styles from each region making this a potpourri and flavourfest for lovers of Chardonnay.

The acidity levels for most of the wines from New Zealand are on average quite high. This Chardonnay is a classic example of sharp acidity with bosch pear and caramel notes in the finish. The wine is good but for best enjoyment you can pair this with Asian food or soft stinky cheese. Drink now to 2018.

Varietal composition: 100% Chardonnay
Region: North Otago, Marlborough
Alcohol: 12.5%
Sugar: 1.5 g/l
Total acidity: 5.4 g/l
pH: 3.49

Tasted on May 14th, 2015

@stevekubota

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Forrest Waitaki Valley Chardonnay 2011 Wine Review

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