Man O' War Valhalla Chardonnay 2022

Man O’ War is located on the beautiful island of Waiheke, in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf in the Northern part of New Zealand. It’s a 4,500-acre farm owned by the Spencer family, with over 150-acres under vine, first planted in 1993. Today, there are no less than 75 separate vineyards across the farm.

The place is steeped in history, and the bay was a safe harbour for naval seafarers, who repaired their boats using timber from the local Kauri trees. Hence the name.

They have become well known for their Syrah, Chardonnay, and Waiheke’s signature Bordeaux blends. They also produce distinctly different Sauvignon Blanc, a seriously drinkable Pinot Gris, and a Rose which is a firm favourite at their beach front tasting room and cellar door.

Grapes were hand-harvested between 14th March and 16th April, from Gorse Laneway, Little Beast, Lone Kauri, Noises, Nikau, Puriri and Root-Rake vineyards, before being macerated prior to pressing. Un-fined and with the solids mixed, the juice underwent a spontaneous fermentation. The fermenting juice is then transferred to large format barrels for fermentation which is hot and fast peaking at about 32 degrees. The wines were left on gross lees in oak puncheons until Spring and were then sulphured to prevent Malolactic fermentation. After 11 months the wine was racked once to the blend.