TE KANO KIN CHARDONNAY 2021

The Under $20 Chardonnay you have been looking for!

This Central Otago Chardonnay is a bit of an enigma. A bit left of field in terms of New Zealand Chardonnay's owing to its partial use of American oak in the mix (20%). The resulting wine sits somewhere in the middle of a classic NZ style with ripe stonefruits (peach, nectarines, apricot) and Californian, with the American oak bringing with it layers of vanilla, butterscotch and caramel that is just so popular with Chardonnay lovers these days. Overall, a very comforting glass of Chardonnay that will find many fans.

Te Kano are a relatively new player on the Central Otago wine scene, but have already made some significant investment into the region – they are really starting to produce some impressive wines!

They have a strong passion for conservation (as well as making delicious wines) and are undergoing some extensive regenerative projects around their Estate vineyards based in Bannockburn, Northburn and Waitaki. Working with organic practices (not yet certified) the care and attention here is obvious and they are definitely a winery to keep an eye on going forward.

Winery notes (2021 Vintage)
"We believe in connections at Te Kano. Between wine and food, grapevines and the soil, people and nature. Our Estate vineyards are testament to this, with organic practices and an extensive Kōwhai rejuvenation project strengthening our links with the land we love. Kin is a deliciously vibrant wine made to enliven any gatherings of family and friends.

A selection of chardonnay clones from our Northburn vineyard was fermented in stainless steel and oak barrels. Maturation on full yeast lees took place over the following 10 months before blending and bottling.

Aromas of vanilla, toasted hazelnut, ripe peach and melon, with spicy oak undertones. Generous ripe stonefruit, creamy vanilla and toasted bread notes give way to a fresh mineral finish."

5 Stars & 93/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, October 2023 (2021 Vintage)
"Beautifully ripe and elegantly complex, the wine shows apricot, nougat, warm spice and hazelnut aromas on the nose, followed by a generously textured palate that's succulent and creamy. Delightfully composed and expressed, offering excellent drinking. At its best: now to 2026."

92/100 David Walker Bell, WineFolio.co.nz, June 2023 (2021 Vintage)
"The Kin Chardonnay 2021 comes from a small block of Mendoza clone Chardonnay on their Northburn Vineyard. For a second tier wine, this still gets all the treatment – hand-picked and with about 20% in American oak – the rest in French oak. The nose has a burst of white peach, lemon peel, caramel, grapefruit and spring flowers. The palate is generous – that spicy oak setting the tone and framing the ripe fruit. The plush texture at the core is contrasted by a quartzy acidity, leading to a dry, tight finish. For the price, this is excellent."

4 Stars Michael Cooper (2021 Vintage)
"Enjoyable young, the bright, light yellow/green 2021 vintage was estate-grown at Northburn, in the Cromwell Basin, partly barrel-fermented, and lees-aged for 10 months. Mouthfilling and creamy-textured, it is an upfront style, with strong, peachy, slightly toasty flavours, a hint of butterscotch, and a well-rounded finish. It's drinking well now."

91/100 Cameron Douglas MS, November 2023 (2021 Vintage)
"Fragrant and familiar bouquet with a peach, apple and gentle cheesy quality, some vanilla and white fleshed tree fruit scents, a whisper of lees all combine to build complexity as the wine opens out in glass. A softer satin texture touches the palate first with warming alcohol and medium+-ish acid line. Fruit flavours mirror the bouquet as does the lactic and lees ideas. Well made, new and ready to drink from late 2023 through 2027."

5 Stars & 18.5-/20 (92) Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Reviews, July 2022 (2021 Vintage)
"Bright, pale yellow, even colour throughout. This has an excellent concentrated, full bouquet of nectarines and apricots melded with an amalgam of spice and butter harmoniously. Medium-full bodied, stonefruit aromas overlying vanilla, grated nutmeg and cream. The mouthfeel is creamy with vanilla custard and roasted cashews. A balanced acid drive flows along a slightly chalky line, lingering with warm spice and comforting, rich notes. This Chardonnay is accessible with a concentrated stonefruit core, spice and nutty details on a creamy mouthfeel. Match with roasted chicken and pork cutlet over the next 3-4 years. 14% alc. Fruit from their Northburn vineyard, fermented in stainless steel and oak barrels, aged on full lees for 10 months."