Each year, as we taste and monitor the Chardonnay as it progresses through ITS fermentation, malolactic fermentation, and barrel aging, we look for a few barrels that show an elevated intensity and elegance. We then hold those barrels for longer, as our Grand Reserve Chardonnay. The extra "reserve" time in barrel allows the wine to fully fill out and reach its potential; with the right wine, it can create hedonistic opulence that is nonetheless still in balance with the freshness and structure of the wine. 

For 2023, grapes were hand harvested on April 19 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 13 months. Flavours of golden delicious apples, crème brûlée, and wood spice transition to roasted nuts and buttery brioche, accentuated by 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: 14% alcohol, pH 3.5. Vegan friendly, minimal sulfites.