NOVUM CHARDONNAY 2023

We often see new releases and labels that 'fly under the radar'. Small production wines that deserve special mention but not made in volumes that we can shout about. Novum is the new label for William Hoare (ex-Fromm) and Rachel Jackson-Hoare in Marlborough utilizing fruit from family and closely associated vineyards. Two wines have been released so far – this Chardonnay and a Pinot Noir. Both are exceptional wines, but very, very limited in availability.  

96/100 Shanteh Wale, James Halliday's Wine Companion, February 2025 (2023 Vintage)
"Firework flint, lemon oil and yellow peach cheeks. Grapefruit sorbet and cold butter log. Almond milk creaminess with a deft handling of oak on the palate. Cumin, powdered ginger and white pepper. This delivers the charitable dimensions of chardonnay with a breeze of gently rolling acidity and brilliance of a chiselled precious stone. Peach cream and baked meringue on the finish. Drinking beautifully and will age further. Wonderful to see the confidence and precision from a new player. Very exciting."