95 pts, Candice Chow

Bright, even, pale yellow. The nose is welcoming, with aromas of flint, stonefruit, citrus, wildflowers and delicate spice. Medium-bodied, aromas of nectarine, lemon sherbet, grapefruit and its zest, intertwined with stony minerals, flint, fine spice and wildflower. The fruit is bright and lifted, flowing effortlessly alongside fresh acidity and chalky mineral on a creamy mouthfeel. This Chardonnay has a harmonious flow, unveiling chalky minerals and an enticing finish. Match with snapper and scampi over the next 5-7 years. Clone 95, handpicked and whole bunch pressed, barrel fermented with wild yeast and aged in French oak for 11 months.

Notes

The 2024 vintage will be remembered as one of the finest growing

seasons in the history of Waitaki viticulture. El Niño delivered warmth 

and clarity, resulting in one of the driest and warmest seasons of the past

two decades. The region enjoyed a gentle accumulation of warmth across

summer and autumn, free from the persistent late-afternoon coastal

winds that often define our ripening window. Despite the usual

turbulence of a Waitaki spring — marked by strong winds and some

frost impact — the season settled into a steady rhythm, allowing the

fruit to develop with remarkable precision. Harvest began 10 days ahead

of our long-term average, offering an extended window for careful fruit

selection.

Hand-harvested fruit, whole bunch pressed and fermented with wild yeast

in French oak barrels. A 100% barrel ferment lends texture and depth.

Aromas of white peach and ripe lychee, layered with subtle floral tones,

sit alongside a faint mineral edge, offering both aromatic lift and

complexity. A vibrant entry of succulent stonefruit evolves into a focused

core of grapefruit acidity, delivering precision and energy. The palate is

finely textured, with a mineral backbone and a thread of salinity

providing structure and drive, leading to a long, refined finish that is

distinctly expressive of the Waitaki Valley’s cool-climate elegance.