Sacred Hill Senior Winemaker and Chardonnay fanatic Tony Bish, can't speak highly enough of the Chardonnay grapes that came out of the 2013 Hawke's Bay vintage, especially from the iconic vineyard where the fruit for the HALO Chardonnay was grown.

He describes the growing season as a perfect summer with warm, dry and sunny conditions from start to finish.

"Our slightly elevated and cooler inland site high above the Tutaekuri River has meant that elegance and good acidity have been retained, allowing us to express the unique citrus blossom characters of this spectacular vineyard in a truly exceptional year."

Mr Bish says the 2013 Chardonnay is true to the HALO tradition of delivering wines with depth and texture. The fruit was barrel fermented in French oak puncheons and barriques before the wine was lees stirred to enhance texture and richness. From there the wine was aged with minimal handling to preserve fruit purity and character.

It is deliciously drinkable now and its richness and complexity will develop further with two to three years' careful cellaring.

Sacred Hill 2013 HALO Hawke's Bay Chardonnay - Classic aromas of peach, nectarine and citrus enhanced by spicy oak nuances. The palate is rich and creamy with full flavour and soft acidity. This is a full bodied Chardonnay with beautifully ripe fruit and perfect acid balance.

Food Match - Freshly caught snapper, gilled, gutted and scaled. Stuff the cavity with sliced lemon and a handful of flat leaf parsley. Score each side of the fish to the bone, rub fish with olive oil and season. Wrap in foil, bake for approximately 20 minutes on 180 fan bake. Serve with new potatoes and par boiled beans.

Sacred Hill 2013 HALO Hawke's Bay Chardonnay is available at wine merchants throughout New Zealand and has a recommended retail price of $24.99.

For further information visit www.sacredhill.com.

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