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Buy OnlineThe Millton Vineyard has gained world renown for this unique and classic grape variety. Their Te Arai Chenin Blanc is consistently recognised by international writers as one the best examples in the world, outside of the Loire. It is most certainly the benchmark Chenin Blanc for New Zealand.
Winery notes (2022 Vintage)
"Over the years our determination to produce one of the world’s best wines from this variety is a seasonal challenge and a bottled fantasy. In 2022 we did four selections from the vineyard of hand-harvested the grapes. On the crush pad, the stems are discarded as these grapes give up their juice very easily during the long slow press cycle. The juice is collected together and allowed to settle for only a short time as we wish to keep the fine sediments, for it is here that all the nutrients lie which satisfy a well-behaved fermentation. The fermentation and maturation take place in demi-muids (large 600-litre oak barrels) and stainless steel tanks. The wine matures in these vessels over time, and without the obtrusion of oak tannins, which would otherwise disrespect the subtle fruit aromas."
Reviews for the 2021 vintage below…
4 Stars Michael Cooper (2021 Vintage)
"Certified organic, this Gisborne wine is one of New Zealand's best-known Chenin Blancs. It's a richly varietal wine with concentrated, fresh, vibrant fruit flavours to the fore in some vintages and nectareous scents and flavours in others. The grapes are hand-picked at up to four stages of ripening, culminating in some years ('It's in the lap of the gods,' says James Millton) in a final harvest of botrytis-affected fruit. Fermentation is in tanks and large 600-litre French oak casks, used in the Loire for Chenin Blanc. The 2021 vintage is light lemon/green, with a restrained bouquet. Still unfolding, it is full-bodied, with good vigour and flavour intensity, a sliver of sweetness and firm acid spine. Best drinking 2025+."
