THE WREKIN VINEYARD LIBBY’S BLOCK CHENIN BLANC 2021

The family owned, organic Wrekin vineyard in Marlborough's Southern Valleys has developed a reputation that rivals the like of Clayvin as being the source of exceptional fruit. Whilst the vineyard name has appeared on several producer labels, the Johns family also produce their own wine with winemaker Hätsch Kalberer (Fromm). Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and a small amount of Chenin Blanc is produced.

We rate this as one of the best Chenin Blancs we have tasted from New Zealand.

Winery notes (2021 Vintage)
"Open and intense with orange blossom stone fruit on the noise. All the classic aromatics of a chenin blanc. Dry and broad pallet. Fullness in the mouth and a strong lingering finish. Focused crisp acidity balanced with rich character. Hints of lime juice and pear. Soft florals."

Reviews for the 2020 vintage below…

Rated Outstanding & 95/100 Cameron Douglas MS, October 2023 (2020 Vintage)
"A fabulous bouquet of variety and freshness with aromas of fresh apple and white fleshed stone fruit, citrus and blossoms. As the wine opens out in glass a mineral flinty, waxy quality adds intrigue and complexity. Dry, taut, youthful and salivating on the palate with a traditional backbone of acidity, core flavours of apple, white spice, a touch of cider and a core of minerality and white flowers. Delicious, fresh and youthful, a wine with a great mouthfeel and length with best drinking from 2026 through 2040+."

94/100 James Suckling (2020 Vintage)
"Excellent chenin blanc with sliced-peach, pear, mineral, stone and peach-stone character. Medium- to full-bodied and very dry with a steely edge and a twist of lime in the finish. Drink or hold."