Gold Medal – New Zealand International Wine Show 2024
The team at Marisco vineyards in Marlborough certainly know how to produce a tasty wine for a great price. Redolent with golden summer fruits – ripe peach, apricot, nectarine, spicy oak and a mineral saline note on the finish, this ticks plenty of Chardonnay lovers boxes.
Winery notes (2023 Vintage)
"Expressive notes of white peach, rock melon and vanilla are supported by fresh spice and brioche which provide a generous aromatic experience. Supple on the palate and full of rich texture, this wine demonstrates pure fruit expression that is solely from the Waihopai Valley, with a refreshing acidity providing texture and length.
Chardonnay fruit was harvested predominantly by hand through the latter part of March, after which the fruit was gently whole bunch pressed into stainless steel tank. After a short period of settling the juice was racked and subsequently fermented in 500L French oak puncheons of which 30% were new. Maturation in barrel on full lees ensued for a further 9 months, with periodic stirring to build weight, complexity and mouthfeel. The wine went through partial malolactic fermentation to help soften the acidity and was blended and filtered in late summer before bottling in March 2024."
Reviews for previous vintages below…
Joelle Thomson, drinksbiz Magazine, April/May 2024 (2022 Vintage)
"Is it possible to make a wine that tastes too good? If so, here it is. This Chardonnay has crisp, fresh acidity leading into a creamy, textured mouthfeel in a wine with a medium body and long finish. If offers exceptionally good value for money for this quality."
Buy of the Week & Top Value, Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review, September 2023 (2021 Vintage)
"Rich, creamy-textured chardonnay with green apple, cashew nut, savoury/bran biscuit and grapefruit flavours. High-energy wine that is supported by tangy acidity and peppery phenolics. Good food wine."
5 Stars & 94/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, October 2022 (2021 Vintage)
"Complex and sensually appealing, the wine shows ripe stone fruit, lemon peel, vanillin oak, and oatmeal notes on the nose, followed by a wonderfully weighted palate displaying finely layered mouthfeel together with creamy texture and elegant backbone of acidity, finishing superbly long and satisfying. At its best: now to 2027."
4 Stars & Best Buy Cuisine Chardonnay Tasting, August 2023 (2021 Vintage)
"Ripe, rich stone fruit, cream and butter with a grapefruit citrus lift on the nose that delights. The palate is juicy with taut acidity and persistence, great flavour concentration and pastry and brioche notes that add complexity. "