Gold Medal – New Zealand International Wine Show 2022
Winery notes (2020 Vintage)
"The Lodge Chardonnay is grown in the Bridge Pa Triangle and Mangatahi sub-regions of Hawke’s Bay. The warm, even growing conditions of Bridge Pa contrast with cooler conditions at Mangatahi. These different growing conditions produce very different fruit, allowing us to create a wine with layers of flavour, complexity and interest.
Fruit for this reserve wine is hand harvested and whole bunch pressed. The cloudy juice was then fermented in French oak barriques, with a mix of indigenous and inoculated yeasts. Following the primary and full malolactic fermentations, the wine is left to mature on gross lees in barrel for approximately ten months, prior to bottling.
Rich aromas of ripe stone fruits and hazelnuts. The palate is textured and full with pleasing layers of complexity. Fine acidity adds length and balance. Enjoy with a creamy pasta, seafood chowder or with smoked salmon."
Reviews for the 2019 vintage below…
5 Stars & 95/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit (2019 Vintage)
"Impressively complex and stylish, the wine shows ripe stone fruit, vanilla, cedary oak, popcorn and brioche characters on the nose. The concentrated palate displays excellent weight and depth, combined with expansive mouthfeel and plush texture, finishing superbly long and satisfying. At its best: now to 2025."