In 2025, we harvested our Chardonnay grapes from the Van Der Mark vineyard in Bendigo. Owners Rob and Cherry are good friends of Māori Point, and we have been making Chardonnay with their grapes while the new plantings of Chardonnay at Māori Point are maturing. The growing season of 2025 was superb, with healthy grapes that showed excellent balance.

Grapes were hand harvested on April 11, then whole-bunch pressed, with select portions tread by foot. The wine was fermented by wild yeasts in oak barrels at Māori Point, and allowed to mature on lees in oak barrels. A long, cool fermentation and extended time on lees (with some lees stirring, prior to malolactic fermentation) in the Māori Point barrel hall contribute to a Chardonnay expressing fresh fruit and floral flavours combined with mouthfilling texture. The nose begins with green apple, white peach, hints of jasmine. On the palate, look for chamomile, toasted hazelnut, hints of pomelo, grapefruit, and vanilla. The finish adds in subtle spice and brioche. There is beautiful tension between the fresh precise acidity and the silky supple complexity, leading to a long finish. Delicious now and will age well for 8 or more years. 

Technical notes: 13.5% alcohol, pH 3.4. Vegan friendly, minimal sulfites.