MARISCO THE KING’S BASTARD CHARDONNAY 2021

Gold Medal – New Zealand International Wine Show 2022
Gold Medal – Aotearoa Regional Wine Competition 2022

Winery notes (2021 Vintage)
"The de Mariscos apparently descended from a William de Marisco (approximately AD 1100), who was said to be one of the 35 illegitimate children of King Henry I – thereby marking William the King’s Bastard. The de Mariscos continued a rocky relationship with the monarchy in subsequent generations, ultimately ending with the tragic execution of a later William for piracy and his alleged involvement in a treasonous plot.

Charming aromas of candied citrus, ripe peach and honeysuckle are supported by subtle oak notes. The luscious palate demonstrates stone fruit and grapefruit pith complemented by a hint of praline from the extended time in oak and lees stirring. Partial malolactic fermentation has helped to soften the palate while the residual acidity extends the wine to a salivating dry finish.

Hand harvesting took place throughout March after which individual parcels were whole bunch pressed. A portion of the free run juice was drained straight to new French oak puncheons while the majority underwent a settling period in stainless steel tanks before being racked to puncheons. Each parcel was inoculated with yeasts designed for mouthfeel and to promote stonefruit characters. After fermentation, the wine was left in oak for 10 months with regular lees stirring to generate opulence and palate weight. To soften acidity, the wine also underwent partial malolactic fermentation. Parcels were blended and filtered in late summer before bottling in March."

5 Stars & 96/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, October 2022 (2021 Vintage)
"Immensely complex and engaging, the wine shows ripe stone fruit, grapefruit, vanilla, savoury pastry and spicy oak characters on the nose with a hint of flinty overtone. The concentrated palate delivers refined texture and silky mouthfeel, wonderfully framed by fine acidity. Sophisticated and captivating with a persistent gratifying finish. At its best: now to 2030."

Rated Excellent & 93/100 Cameron Douglas MS, October 2023 (2021 Vintage)
"Bright, youthful, fresh, fruity, varietal and lifted bouquet of fresh stone fruits and sweet grapefruit, layers of vanilla, custard, some quietly spoken barrel spice qualities and a fine lees complexity. Dry with a satin-cream mouthfeel, medium+ weighted on the palate with a fresh acid line and core fruit flavours that reflect the bouquet from peach to apple, citrus to barrel spice. A complete wine with best drinking from 2023 through 2027."