Classic chardonnay was worthy winner

Hugh Crichton in the Vidal vineyard.

Tomorrow evening there will be glasses raised to a special wine. It will be the wine judged to be the Champion Wine of Show; the best of the Bay; the top drop, as declared by the judges of the 15th Hawke's Bay A&P Bayleys Wine Awards.

The event is now an established part of the region's world-class wine industry and the nod as the Bay's best wine is eagerly sought by winemakers, viticulturists, winery management - everyone on deck, so to speak. Leading up to the big night, where wines will be tasted and toasted and awards poured out, Hawke's Bay Today will profile the 14 Champion Wine of Show winners. Today we feature Vidal's winning drop.

Champion Wine of Show for 2013: Vidal Reserve Series HB Chardonnay 2012

SIX years earlier winemaker Hugh Crichton and Vidal Estate had been recognised for their syrah, so picking up the Champion Wine of Show for their 2012 chardonnay was an equal thrill.

"The 2012 vintage produced a classic Hawke's Bay chardonnay," he said.

Fruit for the reserve series was sourced from what he called premium vineyards across the bay "each with their own soil and climate identity".

Mr Crichton said the 2012 season had been cooler than normal and that meant careful selections within the vineyards to ensure the parcels of fruit would meet the high standard of the label.

Oak barrels were selected for their subtle flavour and aroma profile, and Mr Crichton said "sensitive" winemaking allowed site and season to be reflected within the wine.

For lovers of fine chardonnays the news of what was to come was like gold.

The 2012 was a definite trophy winner, but Mr Crichton said the 2014 chardonnays are arguably the best they had ever released.

"The 2013s and 2014s are showing stronger."

Both years had been exceptional for the production of fine fruit.

Of the industry as a whole, and the delights of the region, he was glowing.

"Hawke's Bay has a vision to be recognised as one of the great wine regions of the world and not only do great wine regions produce outstanding wine but they often have a thriving food industry, enjoy great climates and are relaxed and enjoyable places to live and travel within."

In the sales sense, while the winning syrah of 2007 was exported the 2012 chardonnay was not.

"I have a few bottles of each tucked away,"Mr Crichton said.

With careful cellaring, he said the 2012 would develop and gain complexity for two to five years from vintage.