Legacy Peak Chardonnay 2022

Winery Background and History

Established in 1997, Legacy Peak is a family-owned winery located within the scenic Xixia King Tombs area in Ningxia, China. The estate encompasses 250 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, 50 acres of Merlot, and 35 acres of Chardonnay, with vines over 20 years old. In 2010, Liu Hai took over the estate from his father, aiming to produce high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. Under his leadership, Legacy Peak has garnered recognition for its exceptional wines, including prestigious awards such as the Gold Medal at the China Wine & Spirits Awards and a Silver Medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards. The winery continues to uphold its commitment to quality and tradition, contributing to the growing reputation of Chinese wines on the global stage.

Producer and Winemaker

Legacy Peak is managed by Liu Hai, who assumed leadership in 2010. The winemaking team includes vineyard manager Guo Wanbai and winemaker Zhou Shuzhen. Together, they focus on producing wines that express the distinctive characteristics of their mature vineyards, employing meticulous vineyard management and winemaking techniques to ensure the highest quality.

Vineyards and Microclimate

The estate’s vineyards are situated at an altitude of approximately 1,246 meters within the Xixia King Tombs area in Ningxia. This elevation provides a favorable microclimate for grape cultivation, characterized by significant diurnal temperature variations that enhance acidity and flavor development in the grapes. The region experiences a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters, necessitating protective measures such as burying vines during winter to prevent frost damage. The soil composition primarily consists of sandy loam, offering excellent drainage and contributing to the mineral complexity of the wines. These conditions, combined with the age of the vines, result in grapes with concentrated flavors and balanced acidity, ideal for producing high-quality Chardonnay.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

100% Chardonnay

Vinification & Aging Methods

The 2022 Legacy Peak Chardonnay is crafted from hand-harvested grapes sourced from vines over 20 years old. Upon reaching full maturity, the grapes are meticulously sorted to ensure only the highest quality fruit is used. The juice is directly pressed into tanks, where fermentation occurs under controlled temperatures to preserve the fresh fruit characteristics. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes a period of aging to develop complexity and integrate flavors. The specific details of the aging process, such as the duration and use of oak, are not specified. This careful vinification process results in a wine that showcases the purity of the Chardonnay grape and the unique terroir of the Ningxia region.

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

The specific ABV for the 2022 vintage is not provided. However, previous vintages of Legacy Peak Chardonnay have typically featured an ABV around 13%.

Tasting Notes

The 2022 Legacy Peak Chardonnay presents a bright yellow hue with shiny reflections. The nose opens with abundant tropical fruit aromas, particularly delicate melon and pineapple notes. On the palate, it offers a full-bodied and complex experience, showcasing flavors of hazelnuts and sesame. The wine’s balanced acidity and rich texture contribute to a harmonious and lingering finish.

Food & Wine Pairing

This Chardonnay pairs exceptionally well with a variety of dishes. Its richness and complexity complement veal and lamb dishes, while its acidity balances the flavors of seafood such as salmon and hairy crabs. The nutty undertones also make it a suitable match for dishes featuring toasted sesame or hazelnut elements, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Service Methods and Temperatures

To fully appreciate its aromatic complexity and texture, serve this Chardonnay chilled at around 10-12°C (50-54°F) in medium-sized white wine glasses. Allowing the wine to breathe for a short period before serving can help in expressing its full range of flavors and aromas.

Storage and Aging Potential

While the 2022 Legacy Peak Chardonnay is enjoyable upon release, it also has the potential to develop additional complexity with short-term cellaring. When stored in optimal conditions—away from light, at a consistent temperature of around 12°C (54°F), and with moderate humidity—the wine can evolve over the next 3 to 5 years, gaining in richness and depth.