Drylands Chardonnay 2001

Originally a small winery, recent significant improvements have grown Drylands to an impressive 14,000 ton state-of-the-art winery capable of handling large volumes as well as "boutique" parcels.

Drylands Vineyard is situated near the middle of the Wairau Valley Region, 30m above sea level, surrounding the Drylands Winery in Hammerichs Road, Blenheim. The current Winery Block comprises 43ha Sauvignon Blanc, 1.5ha Semillon, and 1.5ha Chardonnay. The region immediately adjacent to the winery buildings has some of the oldest Sauvignon Blanc vines, going back to 1980.

This vineyard produces Sauvignon Blanc with intensely herbal and some sweaty characters. Fruit from the alluvial silts produce aroma and racy characters while fruit from the stonier sites has a textural character. Fruit from this vineyard shows traditional, typical Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc characters. This vineyard now has Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand Accreditation.