17/20 - Candice Chow, Candice Wine Chat
"Bright, even, pale yellow with a slight green hue. The nose is softly full, with moderately deep aromas of stonefruit, quince, pastry and a suggestion of cashew. Medium-bodied, dried to taste, aromas of quince melded with nectarine, cashew paste and sourdough crust. The flavours are softly mouth-filling and underlined by a light powdery grip. Fresh acidity enlivens the mouthfeel and flows with good energy to a lingering finish. This is a soft and elegant Chardonnay with a smooth flow and freshness. Match with dumplings and fish over the next 2 years." Candice Chow Oct 2024

Owned by hard working Geoff and Nicola Wright. Geoff runs the winery and vineyard operations.  Nicola works on sales, marketing and the café. Geoff is a third generation winemaker who's grandfather moved to New Zealand in 1931, starting vineyards now belonging to the Brajkovich family.

This wine is made from certified organic grapes and bio-dynamically grown grapes from our coastal vineyard in Manutuke and Ormond Valley vineyard. These grapes are harvested at peak ripeness, thanks to low yields and 3-cane pruning. Typically, they are picked at around 22-24 brix. The Chardonnay is fermented in stainless steel tank, cool fermented and minimal time on yeast lees, to ensure a clean fresh style. This wine is low allergen, low sulphur, minimal additives and produced without any animal by products.

The Chardonnay is classic Gisborne, but with an extra layer of complexity, smoky, flinty, ripe and rich. Packed with peach, caramelised, toasty characters, butterscotch and nutty notes on the finish. Textural mouthfeel and good to the environment!