The 2020 vintage is the first ever Grand Reserve Chardonnay from Mount Brown with only 150 dozen made and what a wine it is!
Chosen for Decanter (UK) New Zealand Chardonnay 2020 – "High scores for the 18 excellent wines selected reflect the huge progress that’s been made by New Zealand’s Chardonnay producers in recent years, and prove that 2020 is a highly rated vintage."
Winery notes (2020 Vintage)
"A warm summer, malolactic fermentation and barrel ageing has produced a full-bodied wine with ripe tropical flavours and a creamy finish. Less than 150 doz cases were made of this outstanding Chardonnay. Gently pressed directly to barrel where it underwent a cool ferment followed by full malolactic fermentation. After that it was allowed to age in barrel for about 15 months (100% french oak barriques)."
Decanter Expert’s Choice: New Zealand Chardonnay 2020
Rated Outstanding & 95/100 Cameron Douglas MS, April 2022 (2020 Vintage)
"Fantastic bouquet with aromas of gun metal and leesy spices, roasted nut and roasted stone fruits and baking spices. Complex, youthful and very inviting. On the palate, full-bodied, youthful, fresh, complex and full of flavour and texture. Fruit and wood flavours reflect the bouquet accentuated with chalky tannins, medium+ acidity and toasty nut complexity. Well-made and ready to drink from 2022 through 2029."
4 ½ Stars Michael Cooper (2020 Vintage)
"Well worth cellaring, the 2020 vintage was fermented in one year-old French oak barrels. Bright, light yellow/green, it is mouthfilling, with generous, ripe, youthful, peachy flavours, showing very good complexity, finely integrated oak and a smooth finish. Best drinking 2023+."