Each year, as we taste our Chardonnay as it progresses through fermentation and aging. These are natural processes driven by the wild yeasts that arrive on the hand harvested grapes - the real winemaker. While tasting, we look for barrels that show an elevated intensity and elegance. We then hold the Chardonnay in those barrels for longer, as our Grand Reserve Chardonnay. The extra "reserve" time in barrel enables greater complexity and refinement. In just the right year with just the right wine, this will create a gloriously hedonistic opulence that nonetheless remains in balance with the freshness and structure of the wine. 

For 2024, grapes were hand harvested and whole-bunch pressed. The wine was fermented by wild yeasts in oak barrels at Māori Point, and allowed to mature on lees in barrels (with lees stirring) for 16 months. Showing golden delicious apples and glimmers of fresh citrus, crème brûlée, and wood spice, transition to roasted nuts and buttery brioche, accentuated by a supple mouthfeel and a long, long finish. Following the principles of natural winemaking, we bottled this Chardonnay unfiltered, so it will age well for 10 or more years, and may develop sediment over time. 

Technical notes: 13.8% alcohol, pH 3.4. Vegan friendly, minimal sulfites.