TE KAIRANGA JOHN MARTIN CHARDONNAY 2021

Winery notes (2021 Vintage)
"Te Kairanga John Martin Chardonnay 2021 is named after the founding father of Martinborough, John Martin, and is made from our best vineyard parcels and some of the oldest vines in the region.

A fragrant and refined nose of stone fruit, nuts and stony mineral characters. The palate is balanced revealing layers of ripe stone fruit, hazelnuts and cashew. A harmonious chardonnay with subtle depth of flavour and a long, succulent finish."

5 Stars & 96/100 Aaron Brasher, The Real Review, October 2023 (2021 Vintage)
"100% Mendoza clone, all barrel fermented in 15% new oak and put through 60% malolactic fermentation. After three months, 40% of the wine was taken out of oak and put to tank unsulphured. This wine has layers and layers of flavour that build complexity the more time it has in the glass. The acidity has real cut and drive and the high level of malo sits supremely in the wine delivering texture and mouth-feel. Chief winemaker John Kavanagh is extremely proud of this wine, and rightly so: it has real sophistication, balance and exudes quality and class."

5 Stars & 95/100 Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review, April 2023 (2021 Vintage)
"Elegant, concentrated Chardonnay with classy oak, hazelnut, lime zest, and oyster shell flavours supported by bright, tangy acidity. Supple, high energy wine that is delicious now but promises to develop well with bottle age."

5 Stars & 95/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, April 2023 (2021 Vintage)
"This is complex and engaging, showing grapefruit, golden peach, cedar and brioche characters, leading to a concentrated palate displaying outstanding weight and focus. It's finely layered with delectable flavours, finishing impressively long and sophisticated."

5 Stars & 18.5+/20 (94) Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Wine Reviews, May 2023 (2021 Vintage)
"Bright, even, pale yellow. The nose is gently full, with aromas of stonefruit, citrus and minerals, layering toasty creaminess. Medium-bodied, aromas of apricot, lemon with a suggestion of lime interweave with minerals, roasted almond and creaminess. The fruit has a citrus core supported by lively acidity, creamy elements balance and contribute flesh to the mouthfeel. This elegant Chardonnay is textural with a lightly chalky mouthfeel with creamy, nutty complexities balanced with a focused citrus core."

4 ½ Stars Michael Cooper (2021 Vintage)
"The 2021 vintage was estate-grown on the Martinborough Terrace, hand-harvested, and fermented and lees-matured for 10 months in French oak barrels (17 per cent new). Light lemon/green, it is mouthfilling, with strong, ripe stonefruit flavours, fresh acidity, and lots of youthful vigour. Best drinking 2025+."