THE BONELINE BAREBONE CHARDONNAY 2025

Winery notes (2025 Vintage)
"Pure and finely detailed, the nose reveals layers of lime zest, ripe lemon and orange peel, complemented by delicate white peach and nectarine. Subtle notes of oyster shell and wet stone introduce a savoury mineral dimension, lending complexity and intrigue to the vibrant fruit expression. Precise and finely structured, the palate opens with vibrant grapefruit, lemon and lime, unfolding into layers of white-fleshed stone fruit. Extended maturation on lees brings depth and a supple, finely textured mid-palate, balanced by a fine line of refreshing acidity. A distinctive saline mineral character carries through the wine, providing tension and drive. Balanced and refined, the wine finishes long and persistent, with purity, energy and quiet confidence.

Barebone Chardonnay is shaped by our Waipara vineyard and a considered approach to winemaking, allowing the natural character of the fruit to take centre stage. Hand-harvested and whole-bunch pressed, the juice undergoes gentle oxidative handling prior to fermentation, encouraging complexity and longevity. Following pressing, approximately 60% of the juice is transferred to seasoned French oak barrels, with the balance retained in stainless steel. Both components undergo spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts.

The seasoned French oak is used not to impart oak flavour, but as a vessel for maturation. Extended contact with the lees, together with the gradual ingress of oxygen through the barrels, encourages the development of texture and depth while preserving the purity of the fruit. Approximately one-third of the wine completes spontaneous malolactic fermentation, with gentle lees stirring during maturation further enhancing texture and integration. Following 12 months in barrel and tank, the components are blended and returned to stainless steel for a further three months of maturation on lees. This extended élevage brings harmony and refinement, allowing the wine's natural fruit expression and savoury complexity to emerge."

Reviews for previous vintages below…

Rated Excellent & 93/100 Cameron Douglas MS, March 2025 (2023 Vintage)
"A lovely bouquet of white fleshed fruits and citrus sitting nicely alongside scents of wood, wood smoke and spice. Clean, fresh, youthful. Youthful, taut and dry on the palate, medium+ weighted with the acid line demanding attention first, then as the palate adjusts the flavours of apple and citrus emerge, pear and grapefruit, white peach and wood spice flavours. On the third and fourth sip the lees flavours and textures begin to emerge. A wine that simply needs time to settle more into itself and develop. Best drinking from lae 2026 through 2033+."