The citrus rind and grapefuit lead the palate to an overall fine yet textural journey. Cape Mentelle Chardonnay had this distinctive minerally line too, apparent with focussed refreshing acidity. Faint nuancesof soft nougat and cashews also add to what is a harmonious balance and an elegant and length finish.

Giant Steps plays it's part in the rapid accension of Australian Chardonnay back to the position it once held here. That being of the king of white varieties. This is a very stylish numbe from Phil Sexton and his team. Stonefruit, melon and butterscotch characters are supported by vanillin oak and the palate is long and textured with a clean crisp finish.

Moss Wood is one of the oldest Margaret River wineries and has an enviable reputation for high quality, stylish wines that are true to place. Arguably one of the country's top ten Chardonnays, this is a wine that demonstrates finesse and elegance in equal proportions to intensity and power. Fantastically bold yet classicly proportioned, this is a wine to be savoured with fine fare and great friends.

Cloudy Bay has produced a Sauvignon Blanc of vibrant intensity. The characteristically uplifting aromas of kaffir lime, lemon zest and nectarine, with the floral notes of orange blossom on the nose; A weighty texture of ripe citrus and stone fruit flavours balanced by a minerally-citrus acid backbone with a finish that is crisp and clean on the palate. The wine has elegant line and length; refined, fleshy yet focused and refreshing.

Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc is often labelled as the brand that kick started the Kiwi Sav Blanc revolution. Without doubt it is seen as an international benchmark Sav Blanc noted for its vibrant aromatics, layers of pure fruit flavours and fine structure.

Product Description The Villa Maria Keltern Chardonnay 2022 is a sophisticated expression of New Zealand terroir, showcasing the exceptional qualities of the Keltern Vineyard in Hawkes Bay. A brilliant lime-tinted gold hue catches the eye, while the nose reveals an exotic bouquet of ripe stone fruit, fresh lemon, and warm brioche, balanced by hints of spicy French oak. The palate is full and silky, marked by vibrant natural acidity that carries through to an elegant, sustained finish. With cellaring, this Chardonnay promises to develop further, offering an evolving complexity with mineral undertones and subtle toast-like nuances. Maker Founded in 1961, Villa Maria has become one of New Zealand’s most celebrated wineries, recognised for its commitment to quality and sustainability. The Keltern Vineyard, established in 1999, holds a special place within Villa Maria’s portfolio, consistently producing award-winning Chardonnay. Over the years, Villa Maria has gained acclaim for its sustainable winemaking practices, ensuring each vintage showcases the unique character of its vineyard sites. Villa Maria's winemaking approach honours the region’s natural beauty, crafting wines that balance elegance with a sense of place. Vineyard The Keltern Vineyard sits east of Maraekakaho in Hawkes Bay, nestled along the cool edge of the Bridge Pa Triangle and bordered by the Ngaruroro River. Planted on an ancient riverbed, the vineyard’s unique soils—a combination of silt loams layered over red metals and gravel stones—provide ideal conditions for Chardonnay. The cool air currents from nearby mountain ranges and meticulous vineyard management, including pruning to one bunch per shoot, result in lower yields and higher concentration in the grapes. For the 2022 vintage, hand-harvested Clone 15 vines, now at peak maturity, were selected, allowing Keltern’s character to shine through. Tasting Notes Nose Ripe Stone Fruit, Lemon, Brioche Aromas of ripe stone fruit and fresh lemon are accented by warm brioche and a subtle touch of spicy French oak, adding an exotic and inviting complexity. Palate Silky Texture, Citrus, Spice The palate is generous and layered, with silky citrus notes and a hint of spice from French oak. The wine’s natural acidity provides balance, enhancing the depth and richness. Finish Mineral, Toasty, Elegant A lingering finish with mineral undertones and a gentle toastiness, showcasing Keltern’s distinctive terroir and ensuring a refined, refreshing aftertaste.

Ghost Town Chardonnay is handcrafted in very limited quantities. Generous aromas of peach, naval orange and meyerlemons with acacia blossom and a touch of brioche in the background lead to a creamy, and textural palate. Integrated nougat oak, with subtle spice and hints of flint are showcased on the palate. A fine, precise acidity flows through the wine to a persistent finish.

A complex array of melon fig and cashew aromas is followed by a typically elegant and subtle palate with beautifully integrated oak. Petaluma had set a benchmark in Australian Chardonnay.