A richer, expressive single-vineyard chardonnay from Hawke's Bay that presents aromas of juicy peach, citrus and white nectarine fruits with hints of soft spice, clotted cream, meadow flowers, a wisp of struck flint, nougat, lemon rind, roast cashews and vanillin oak. Leesy and creamy with a textural palate flow, fine, lacy acidity and a long draw of stone, citrus and spice tones on the exit. Really impressive sustain on this one. Points: 94/100
A lifted wine with energy and richness in quick succession. You are first met with yellow apples, white peach and grapefruit skin. Then introduced to the creamy oats, shortbread and cashew brittle. This is a wine that has its place, capable of pleasing the linear zesty Chardonnay lovers and too the creamy, curves of the fleshy style. It is not a divisive wine so perhaps the right wine to introduce those seeking to branch out into Chardonnay. Careful as it is a wondrous pace you won’t come back from. Try this with Cacio e pepe or eggs benedict. Drink now or cellar for 2-3 years further. Points: 92/100
Very perky, uplifting and refreshing style. Singed toast scents on dried apple, honey and butter, ginger and lime. A curious perfume. The palate is more mellow but slick, with lime curd, honey-butter, red apple, flinty mineral notes, nectarine and a finish that feels a bit vanilla creamy and soft. Pleasing stuff here but not quite finding all the elements married as yet. Stay the course. 92+ Points: 92/100
Lovely chardonnay. Fruity and flinty and controlled and persistent. Pear, white peach, lemongrass and flint characters run into lemon curd, meal, vanilla and an earthen-umami character. It’s a fine wine. It has a little bit of restraint but a good amount of flavour – and finish. Points: 94/100
From the Estate’s Gimblett Gravels vineyard at Hawke’s Bay, this is a rather muscular style of Chardonnay, with a serious future. Thoroughly enjoyable drinking. Lemon/yellow in colour, this is very much a youthful Chardonnay with notes of grapefruit, stone fruits, florals, spices, peaches and a chalky backing. This is poised and powerful, with early complexity already evident. We have good focus and seemingly boundless energy, all with impressive length. Worth putting a case or two in the cellar for up to a decade to see the wine in all its coming glory. Points: 93/100
Winemakers Comments