The Auswine Forum

During a recent trip to the Hawkes Bay region of New Zealand my wife picked up on some sea salt aromas coming from chardonnays from the 2002 and 2003 vintages. I though for a moment that she was thinking of the beach we had just visited. But, she has a much better sense of smell than I do, so I though I'd take her seriously.

After she had pointed out the aromas in a chardonnay from Esky River I was able to pick them up. At first I though it may be the sulphur smells emanating from wines under stelvin only. However, to my surprise one or two were under cork (from different wineries).

Last night she tried the Tyrrells Old Winery Verdelho 2004 and found the same smell. This was under stelvin.

Could anyone please enlighten me on what this smell might be?

Hi there,
I pick these up too. I have a friend who calls it ozone while other people may dub it with the very broad term 'mineral'.
It could be from the acidity or it could be from the savoury oak, although I'm guessing the Verdelho did not have oak. I don't think it is a character of screwcaps as I have also found this character in wines with cork.
FWIW I sometimes get salty characters in Padthaway wines as well.
Cheers,
Sue