FIVE STARS 96/100 | Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
95/100 'Outstanding' | Cameron Douglas MS
FIVE STARS | Michael Cooper
FIVE STARS 95/100 | Candice Chow
FIVE STARS 95/100 | Bob Campbell MW
18.5/20 | Joelle Thomson
Excellent coastal Hawke's Bay Chardonnay from Elephant Hill's Te Awanga beachfront vineyards. Finely structured wine with lots of palate detail and real underlying power. Flinty gun smoke hints add a lovely complexity, while oak spice supports the conversation without taking over proceedings. Delicious, very well-made wine.
Cameron Douglas MS writes "An immediately enticing bouquet of white and yellow orchard fruits, stones and sea air, apple and baking spice of barrel. There’s a light smoky quality to the bouquet too from wood and some finer lees complexities. Complex and youthful. On the palate a silky texture touches first with contrasting power and energy from acidity and finer wood tannins. The lees suggestion develops in combination with oak, salinity, roasted nut, and core fruit flavours reflective of the bouquet. A fantastic wine, modern and expressive of place with a focus on mouthfeel, variety, freshness and complexity."
Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Wine Reviews writes "Bright, even, pale yellow. The nose is enticing and complex, aromas of light struck-match overlying citrus, zest and delicate spice. Medium-full bodied, aromas grapefruit, lemon curd intertwined with zest, sherbet, delicate spice, unfolding roasted hazelnut and struck-match. The struck-match portion is well-managed and uplifting; zingy acid tension enlivens and drives a long, salivating finish. This Chardonnay possesses excellent energy, tension and well-balanced components on a fine-textured, focused palate."
Sam Kim, Wine Orbit writes "Gorgeously elegant and enticing, showing white flesh stone fruit, oatmeal, roasted cashew and lemon peel aromas, it’s exquisitely focused and graceful with refined texture and bright acidity, finishing persistent and linear."
Stock Level: | Limited |
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Vintage: | 2021 |