Catalina Sounds Chardonnay 2022
Catalina Sounds is a renowned winery that embarked on its journey in 2005 with a singular vision to craft the finest wines in Marlborough. Named after the majestic Catalina flying boats and the iconic Marlborough Sounds, the winery's offerings truly reflect the region and its vineyard sites, while adding an extra textural dimension that is uniquely Catalina Sounds. The winery has evolved from its humble beginnings and has garnered acclaim for its premium Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, expanding its repertoire to include new varieties such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. Additionally, Catalina Sounds produces a single vineyard range from its estate vineyard Sound of White and a sister brand called Crowded House.
The name "Catalina Sounds" pays homage to the Catalina flying boats, which played a vital role in the South Pacific during and after World War II. The winery is accredited with Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand, reflecting its commitment to sustainability in winemaking and viticulture. Furthermore, the Appellation Marlborough Wine certification is integral to Catalina Sounds' vision of producing the finest wines from Marlborough serving as a benchmark for protecting provenance and ensuring integrity and quality. Situated in Marlborough, a haven of new world winemaking, Catalina Sounds has established itself as a prominent player in the global wine market particularly renowned for its hallmark style of Sauvignon Blanc characterized by a harmonious balance of lively fruit and distinctive acidity. The Sound of White Vineyard located in the Waihopai Valley, embodies the inspiration for the winery's name offering an awe-inspiring and peaceful setting that influences the creation of compelling, honest and pure wines that distinctly represent the Waihopai Valley. Catalina Sounds' vineyards span the three sub-regions of the Wairau, Southern and Awatere Valleys in Marlborough each characterized by unique soil profiles that contribute to the depth and nuance of the winery's offerings making them truly distinctive to Catalina Sounds.
The 21/22 season is one for the books. Winter rains replenished parched soils and broke a three-year drought. A warm and wet winter continued into spring, bringing lush growth to the vines, a perfect flowering and an abundance of fruit.
The winemakers at Catalina Sounds strive for balance and quality in the Chardonnay fruit, which is suited to the two exclusive vineyards that create the Catalina Sounds Chardonnay; Sound of White, the home vineyard in the Waihopai Valley, part of the Southern Valleys sub-district and Ra Nui in the Lower Wairau Valley which is close to the east coast of Marlborough. Both sites are distinct in their climate and aspect, which is the basis for creating wines that are uniquely Catalina Sounds.
Straw yellow in colour with pale lime hues, the first swirl brings charming aromas of salted caramel, stone fruit, buttered toast and subtle spices. The flavours are fresh and lively, immediately followed by beautifully soft fruit and creamy texture in the mid-palate. A citric line
carries the flavours to a brilliantly long and lingering finish,
The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Chardonnay
Country - Australia
Region - Marlborough
Vintage - 2022
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13%
Other - Vegan