TE WHARE RA CHARDONNAY 2022

Winery notes (2021 Vintage)
"Lifted aromas of grapefruit, toasted almond, and white nectarine are complemented by smoky, savoury notes, white florals and hints of spice. These aromas follow on to complex, supple palate with real depth of flavour including grapefruit, fresh fig and white stone-fruit as well as savoury, mineral notes. Well integrated toasty oak and a lingering, spicy persistence complete this wine.

The growing conditions here in Marlborough, mean that it is well-suited for the production of world class Chardonnay. We have a relatively cool climate which results in a long, even growing season which is great for flavour development. This means that we can make a style of Chardonnay which balances concentration and complexity, whilst retaining the finesse that a higher natural acidity brings – which is unashamedly the style we like to drink!"

Rated Outstanding & 96/100 Cameron Douglas MS, November 2023 (2021 Vintage)
"Fantastic nose and palate with a clearly defined bouquet of ripe stone fruits and barrel spices laced with lees ageing and a naturally higher acid line to frame these ideas and attributes. A satin-smooth texture touches the palate first them flavours of peach and apple, some grapefruit and lemon then baking spice and soft smoky barrel qualities. A mix of fruit and wood tannins layer in mouthfeel and length across the palate keeping the core fruits front and centre surrounded by texture and complexity. Delicious and ready to drink from day of purchase through 2029."

Reviews for the 2020 vintage below…

5 Stars & 95/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, December 2021 (2020 Vintage)
"Offering gorgeous fruit purity with elegant complexity, the wine shows white flesh stone fruit, lemon pith, oatmeal and nougat nuances on the nose, followed by a beautifully layered palate that's textured and persistent. The wine displays seamless flow and expansive mouthfeel, finishing superbly long and creamy. Blend of fruits from Renwick & Southern Valleys. Certified organic. At its best: 2023 to 2032."

94/100 JamesSuckling.com (2020 Vintage)
"This is a chunky and flavourful chardonnay with a compact and dense palate. Hints of aniseed flower, salted caramel and some leather. Full, phenolic and dense. Structured, yet it remains energetic. From organically grown grapes. Drink now"mirror the bouquet. Some fine wood tannins, medium+ acidity and lengthy finish. Well made, youthful and ready to drink from 2022 through 2028."

93/100 Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review (2020 Vintage)
"Smooth-textured, medium-bodied chardonnay with grapefruit, lemon curd, hazelnut and subtle spicy oak flavours with a hint of oyster-shell and saline character. A supple, appealing wine with a crisp, dry finish. Drink 2021–2026."

Metro Magazine Top 50 Wines (2020 Vintage)
"A blend of Te Whare Ra’s home block (in Renwick) and fruit from the Wreckin vineyard in Brancott Valley, 10 kilometres south of Renwick, this is a classically made chardonnay aged in large- volume oak barrels of which a quarter were new oak. It shows fruit notes of grilled peach, lemon peel and lime, with hints of hazelnut, hay and even warm cream. The palate too is interesting with great body and a soft, supple finish with balanced alcohol."