Based on the winery's best Hawke's Bay grapes, this seductive Chardonnay has a finely judged balance of rich, citrusy, peachy fruit flavours and toasty oak. Hand-picked in the company's Middle Road Vineyard at Havelock North, it is fermented and matured in French oak barriques (40 per cent new in 2020), and given a full, softening malolactic fermentation. The 2020 vintage (5*) is still very youthful. Bright, light yellow/green, it is mouthfilling and savoury, with concentrated, ripe stonefruit flavours, showing excellent vigour and complexity, fresh acidity, and a lingering finish. Best drinking 2024+.
Details
Type: White Wines
Variety: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2020
Overall Rating for All Vintages Tasted: ★★★★✰ – 4.5 Stars
Price: $40 NZD
Sweetness: DRY
Value for Money: –V
When to drink: 2024
Reviewed August 2022