Wine Reviews

Vibrant, firm and juicy, with fresh Honeycrisp apple, lemon curd and orange zest, plus a fresh thread of acidity. Shows added complexity on the finish, where details of panna cotta and brioche emerge.

The 2023 Chardonnay is lean and flinty on the nose, with notes of white peach, green apple, freshly picked curry leaf and preserved lemon rind. In the mouth, the wine is very good, behaving exactly as the nose has laid out, with mineral phenolics and sleek length. 2023 was the year of Cyclone Gabrielle, which made a catastrophic landfall on the February 11, bringing widespread destruction. 12.7% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

Toasted salted nuts and grilled melon indicate a power and richness here from first sniff. There’s subtle weight to the palate. Flavor is muffled, but there’s lovely balance between textural creaminess and fresh acidity. Still young, this should evolve with a few more years in bottle.

From a coastal vineyard in Hawke’s Bay, there’s prettiness, even delicacy, to the lemongrass, salt and floral notes, with a toastier, richer underbelly to pad things out. Mid-weight, it’s precise and focused with lovely tension and textural interest.

Showing the freshness and salinity of its coastal Te Awanga origin, this is a pure-fruited style with a fragrant nose of white peach, white flowers, lemon and subtle flint. The palate is fine, silky and tightly structured, with nice intricacy. Great finesse with good layers and length, finishing with an attractive chalkiness.