| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | New Zealand > Auckland |
| Colour | White |
| Type | Still |
The 2023 Estate Chardonnay leads with preserved citrus, white flowers, crushed nuts and brine. In the mouth, the wine is light and lacy—hints of green apple, nectarine and a little tangerine—with taut acidity that vibrates through the ethereally weighted fruit. It's a light iteration of this wine and lovely for it. It was made with handpicked fruit, whole-bunch pressed and barrel fermented using indigenous yeasts. 12.5% alcohol's sealed under screw cap.
Coming in at a modest 12.5% abv, this year's Estate Chardonnay is airy and bright on the nose, layering lemon and orange blossom tones with hints of lime, beeswax and flint. The palate has a mouthwatering brightness but not at the expense of intensity. High-toned with more floral fruits, this has real tang and zip. Lightly spicy, smoky and creamy, there is a brisk immediacy to this vintage that makes it effortlessly moreish. A wine that will have you reaching quickly for a second glass.
This is fresh, crunchy and clean, with mineral and spice notes and plenty of salty undertones. Sliced lemons and apples. Medium-bodied with a fresh finish. Drink now. Screw cap.
Distinctly lemon nose and mouth-filling. Good substance on the palate and definition. Great drink for the near term! Quite a step up from the Village. Athletic. I asked about ageability and was assured by Paul Brajkovich that the 2019 is looking very good now. Neat finish. 2024-2030.
Compared to the Village chardonnay, there's a touch of extra concentration here. Barely ripe white nectarine, a little guava and red apple alongside the merest hint of flint. There is a strong spine of acid, but this provides structure for the fruit. A faint note of creamy malo adds another layer. Drink from now - 2028. Tasted: 5/5/2024.
