Kidnappers Chardonnay 2025
Trade Tools
New Zealand
The cool yet sunny environment of the Te Awanga Vineyard near Cape Kidnappers allows the development of concentrated flavors in the grapes. The fruit is 70% whole bunch pressed and fermented in a combination of puncheon and stainless-steel tanks.
Harvest Note
A warm, dry spring brought Chardonnay ahead of schedule. Some much needed rain over the Christmas period, followed by mild weather, allowed for slower ripening and excellent acid retention. 75% of the fruit was hand-harvested and whole-bunch pressed. The fruit was pressed and settled for 24 hours before being inoculated with yeast and sent to barrel to complete both alcoholic and malolactic fermentation. Due to good acid retention at ripening, the wine underwent full malolactic fermentation. It was matured for 7 months in French oak (13% new), then fined, filtered and bottled in December 2025.
Tasting Note
Aromas of lemon curd on toast, fresh-cut limes and white blossom, with a subtle minerality and hint of sea-spray. On the palate, preserved lemons and white-fleshed peaches are lifted by coastal salinity, bright acidity, and moreish, chalky texture. Fresh and vibrant, this wine balances energy with a concentrated, flavorful depth.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Chardonnay
APPELLATION: Hawke's Bay
PH: 3.32
ACIDITY: 5.92 g/l
ABV: 12.5%
AGING: 7 months in French Oak (13% new)
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION: Full Malolactic Conversion
Unique Selling Points
- A cool climate Chardonnay with juicy and bright aromas and flavors
- Produced in a French style, this wine is made from whole clusters, fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks, large French oak vats and puncheons
I am fortunate to lead an extraordinary group of people who want to be part of creating something truly magnificent that successive generations can admire and enjoy for years to come. I love our great estates and feel a strong connection to their complexities and subtleties.
Ben Tombs, Winemaker
About the Grape
Chardonnay
Though it has a distinctive profile, Chardonnay reflects other factors such as soil composition and vinification technique. Chardonnay is a reliable, hardy and prolific vine whose only real vulnerabilities are frost and uneven development of fruit.
