Q Waitaki Valley Chardonnay 2020

2020 - “An elegant and sophisticated bouquet with aromas of fresh white peach, lees and vanilla spices of oak, complexity from barrel fermentation and spiced creamy custard. Flavours mirror the nose, but also transition from peach to grapefruit and apple to lemon. Oak flavours of brown spices and toasty barrel remain distinctive. Fine wood tannins and refreshing acid line bring depth and texture. Delicious, fresh, youthful and complex. Best drinking from 2022 through 2027+.”

@CAMERON DOUGLAS MS
95 PTS

2021 - “An elegant and precise Chardonnay, displaying apricot and citrus with well balanced oak and minerals.”

@CANDICEWINECHAT
93 PTS

2022 - “A generous bouquet with lush fruit and minerals. Beautiful tension persist on a chalky mouthfeel to a lengthen, refined finish.”

@CANDICEWINECHAT
95 PTS

ABOUT THE PRODUCER:

BORN FROM A DEEP LOVE

Back in 2002, wine-enthusiast Jules Stephan obtained a block of land in the Waitaki Valley, an area used mainly for sheep farming. With the help of businesswoman Jules Matthews, Q Wine was able to begin realising a dream of producing exceptional wine for the sheer love of it. The fertile soil and the unique qualities of the terroir allow Q Wine to produce premium wines that reflect the beauty of the region.

The enigmatic name Q is evocative of the vineyard’s pursuit of excellence and quality when it comes to crafting a wine that is truly unique

WAITAKI VALLEY, NORTH OTAGO

With the booming Southern Alps providing the perfect backdrop, the unique limestone soils of the Waitaki Valley ensures this region is a wine lovers paradise and winemakers dream.

Drive from Queenstown over the dramatic Lindis Pass and you will arrive in pristine limestone country. This area is characterised by gorgeous valleys formed by braided rivers and glacial lakes.

It is one of the most special places in New Zealand to grow grapes. A dry, semi-maritime climate and long growing season imparts exceptional flavours, making for taut, edgy and powerful wines.

OUR VINEYARD

The Q vineyard was one of the first to be developed in North Otago. Planted in 2005, it lies on the southern bank of the Waitaki River near Otiake, on a substrate of fractured limestone marl with overlay of alluvial silts.

To make the most of our location, our vines are densely planted, so that each vine only has to bear a small amount of fruit. Having such low yields produces exceptional wines with great concentration.

We focus on traditional techniques and hand harvest all of our grapes allowing each bottle to emulate the essence of the vineyard. 

We have 6 hectares planted, in three grape varieties. Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.

• Four clones of Pinot Gris planted on two rootstocks – Sel Ovaille, 2/15, Barrie and Lincoln Berry Smith.

• For Pinot Noir, we’ve created blending opportunities for our winemaker by planting five clones on two rootstocks – UCD5, DRC Abel, 667 and 115.

• The Chardonnay planted is B95, a traditional Dijon clone.