“This is one for those who like their Chardonnays with pizzazz.” - Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous

While there is still room in the world for experts (despite our very own Lord Chancellor once announcing that “the people of this country have had enough of them”), we’d like to offer an expert opinion, based on qualified, empirical research, and state that this is a very good value Chardonnay. Contentious stuff, I know, but it had to be said. It’s easily on a par with Kumeu River’s ’Estate’ Chardonnay, which you don’t need an expert to tell you is also very good value.

It’s lean, yet full-flavoured, with lime and toasted hazelnut to the fore and a sense of chalky cool that fleshes out the body and gives it a richness, without adding weight. If New Zealand Chardonnay isn’t the best value alternative to fine white Burgundy, then I don’t know what is, so I will have to ask an expert. 13% alc. Drink now-2028.

Press reviews:

Cameron Douglas (Master Sommelier): “An attractive bouquet, youthful, complex and new with aromas of nectarine and apricot, red apple and peach. Barrel spice and a gentle wood smoke quality add complexity and breadth. Dry with plenty of weight housed in a satin-cream texture and contrasted by fine tannins and acidity. As the wine opens out on the palate the flavours of fruit and wood spice along with lees becomes a little louder. A fleshy and salivating finish. Best drinking from late 2024 through 2029.” 94 points

Vinous: “The 2022 Chardonnay is a firm, flinty, focused expression. It is a wine with a real sense of direction, its citrus-like acid line giving it power and grace. It was produced with minimal handling: hand-harvested, whole-bunch pressed, spontaneously fermented in oak and puncheons with the bare minimum of lees-stirring. There’s plenty of fruit purity as well as quality-wood-derived nutty nuances. Young, tight and energetic, this is one for those who like their Chardonnays with pizzazz. Drink now-2030.“ 91 points