ASTROLABE WREKIN VINEYARD CHENIN BLANC 2023

Winery notes (2023 Vintage)
"Like its fellow Loire grape sauvignon blanc, chenin blanc flourishes in our climate. In my youth as a winemaker, most chenin blanc was used as a high acid blending variety for cask wine. Some makers understood its strengths and treated it properly. For the few passionate chenin blanc winemakers in New Zealand, it can be a rewarding varietal and produce very serious, elegant and ageworthy wine.

The Astrolabe Wrekin Chenin Blanc is made from grapes grown on a loess clay slope. We hand pick the grapes to give a delicacy to the phenolics. The chenin blanc is partially barrel fermented with wild yeast for complexity, with the remainder in stainless steel to preserve the fruit flavours. All fruit is free-run to retain purity. I love the chenin grape because of its distinct flavour profile, the crisp acidity and the ability of the wine to age with interest and grace.

On the nose green apple and honeysuckle, with lemon honey and a little vanilla from the oak. The palate is medium-bodied, with a focused, mineral length and flavours of crisp apple, lemon and peach."

5 Stars & 95/100 Stephen Wong, The Real Review, September 2024 (2023 Vintage)
"Astrolabe winemaker Simon Waghorn was one of the very first to appreciate the special qualities of the Wrekin vineyard and its potential for beautiful chenin blanc. Over the years, there have been a few iterations of it, not all dry either. This is very nearly bone dry and is a classic expression of the finesse and tension which is possible with this organically certified site in its own valley, deep up the Fairhall.

Subtle spice, lemon and honey perfumes frame a core of heirloom apples, with undertones of earthy, mineral complexity. Ripe yellow fruit counterpoints with tangy green apple acidity, wrapped in a grainy texture which tightens towards the very controlled, long finish. Just a sliver of sweetness on the otherwise dry, velvety palate. Contemplative and compact, this will age slowly over a decade."

5 Stars & 95/100 Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review, July 2024 (2023 Vintage)
"Tangy, lively chenin blanc with classic green apple and lime zest flavours supported by sleek, nervy acidity and flattered by an impressively ethereal texture. Delicious now but with great cellaring potential."

5 Stars Michael Cooper (2023 Vintage)
"This classy, single-vineyard wine was hand-picked in the Southern Valleys and fermented in a mix of stainless steel tanks and old oak barrels. Bright, light lemon/green, it is attractively scented, with mouthfilling body, strong, vibrant, delicate, peachy flavours, showing a distinct touch of complexity, fresh acidity and a finely textured, dry finish. Showing obvious potential, it’s well worth cellaring to 2026+."