2021 Shelter Belt Single Vineyard Chardonnay

The acclaim Jackson Estate generates is based entirely on the merit of our pristine, cool climate vineyards. This wine is named after a large shelterbelt of trees protecting the Homestead Vineyard, separating the vineyard from the homestead.

Notes of fresh citrus, apple and boxwood create an enticing entry to this wine. Combined with underlying complex notes of white stone fruit, subtle melon and a classic minerality, this wine has bags of character in the glass. The palate follows in profile with layers of elegant complexity, clean fresh acidity, and a long finish.

Winemaker’s Tasting Notes

Watch the video below as our head winemaker Matt talks us through a tasting of Shelter Belt Single Vineyard Chardonnay.

In this video, you’ll learn about:

• The B95 Chardonnay clone and how it differs from traditional Marlborough Chardonnay clones

• The French-style, lifted and delicate character of this clone

• The origin of the Shelter Belt name and its location alongside the Homestead vineyard
  

• Fermentation entirely in French oak, including the use of new oak

• Extended lees contact, lees stirring, wild fermentation, and natural malolactic fermentation

• How these choices influence texture and length through the palate

What Shapes the Style

Shelter Belt Chardonnay is shaped by its single-vineyard origin at the Jackson Estate Homestead vineyard and the use of the B95 Chardonnay clone, which is less commonly planted in Marlborough. The wine is hand harvested, whole-bunch pressed, and fermented entirely in French oak, with a portion of new oak contributing structure. Extended lees contact, regular lees stirring, wild fermentation, and natural malolactic fermentation all play a role in building complexity, texture, and palate weight while maintaining clean acidity and a refined profile.

Enjoyment & Occasion

As noted in the tasting video, Shelter Belt Chardonnay is well suited to food pairing, particularly with pork and fresh fish, where its texture, length, and balance can be fully appreciated.