Winery notes (2023 Vintage)
"Complex and enticing grapefruit, citrus and white peach characters are complemented by struck-flint, spice and vanilla. In the glass the wine is loaded with texture. Stone fruit and citrus are underpinned by a flinty mineral flavour and toasty complexity. The wine has great balance and length and will reward cellaring for the next five years.
The Bouldevines Vineyard is located at the entrance to the Omaka Valley, which sits closer to the hills. The soil is stony, alluvial and free-draining. This sub-region is cooler, which allows the grapes to achieve optimum ripeness and expressive fruit flavour, while retaining vibrant acidity."
5 Stars & 95/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, April 2024 (2023 Vintage)
"Elegant and complex, the bouquet shows lemon pith, nectarine, oatmeal, cashew and nougat notes with a hint of gun smoke overtone. The palate delivers excellent concentration and fine flow, wonderfully structured by bright acidity. Harmonious and restrained with a prolonged, structured finish. At its best: 2025 to 2031."
Reviews for previous vintages below…
5 Stars Michael Cooper (2020 Vintage)
"The refined, youthful 2020 vintage was grown on stony soils at the entrance to the Omaka Valley and handled in French oak casks. Bright, light lemon/green, it is mouthfilling and vibrant, with layers of citrus and stonefruit flavours, slightly smoky notes, excellent complexity, and a dry, finely poised, lingering finish. Best drinking 2024+."
5 Stars & 19/20 (95) Candice Chow, Raymond Chan, September 2022 (2020 Vintage)
"Bright, pale yellow with some depth, a slight green hue, and even colour throughout. The nose is full and elegantly presented, with aromas of stonefruit, citrus melded with well-portioned struck match, roasted almond and a buttery underlay. Medium-full bodied, aromas of stonefruit, grapefruit and roasted almond grow in volume as it aerated, unfolding pastry, flint and minerals. The mouthfeel is smooth, lightly coated on the palate with chalky phenolics. Well-balanced acidity supports and lengthens, counterbalancing the toasty elements. This elegant Chardonnay shows fruit's purity and chalky minerals, enriched by toasty barrel details and a lingering finish. Match with roasted poussin and pork loin over the next 5-7 years. Handpicked, whole bunch pressed to a selection of barrels & puncheons, 40% new oak, wild fermented to 13.5% alc, aged 10 months, full MLF."
4 ½ Stars Yvonne Lorkin, December 2022 (2020 Vintage)
"There are some golden-zones for chardonnay in Marlborough, and the Omaka Valley is right at the top of that list. Its soils can turn out intensely concentrated examples and this is no exception. Surging with roast nectarine, pineapple and melon-mashed magic, fresh, beautifully caramelised oak, creamy complexity and a whomph of acidity keeping it ultra-buoyant in the mouth, it’s rather lovely indeed. Add a whisker of scorched popcorn and a hint of bacon and you’ve got a star."
Rated Excellent & 93/100 Cameron Douglas MS, September 2022 (2020 Vintage)
"An excellent and familiar bouquet filled with a toasty richness from smoky oak, ripe yellow stone fruits, baked grapefruit and sweet oak suggestions. On the palate a full-bodied and toasty rich wine with a satin cream and baked custard texture. Flavours of peaches and cream, vanilla and nectarine, baking spices and citrus. A classic and very pleasing expression with persistent favours, weight and intensity. Great drinking from late 2022 through 2028."