Winery notes (2022 Vintage)
"The aroma is pure and intense with peach, sweet citrus notes, nutty complexity and lifted vanilla. Complex and enticing. These aromas flow onto the palate which is weighty, rich and pure with defined varietal expression, barrel ferment complexity, and a sustained citrus finish. The French oak and fruit are beautifully balanced."
Joelle Thomson, drinksbiz Magazine, April/May 2024 (2022 Vintage)
"New Zealand’s king of Chardonnay, Tony Bish, makes this beautifully full-bodied, spicy, complex and layered classic from 100% Mendoza clone Chardonnay grapes grown in the Upper Dartmoor Valley and Bay View in Napier. Hand-picked grapes were nearly all fermented in barrel with 5% in a French oak ovum. The wine was aged for a year in 25% new Taransaud oak with regular lees stirring to add creamy nuances, while retaining the freshness and vibrancy for which Mendoza Chardonnays are known and loved."
5 Stars & 96/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, October 2023 (2022 Vintage)
"Exhibiting complexity with restraint and poise, the wine shows white flesh stone fruit, lemon peel, vanilla and savoury pastry nuances on the nose. The palate is brilliantly focused and concentrated with refined texture backed by bright acidity, finishing persistent and engaging. Gorgeously harmonious and proportioned, promising to evolve graciously. At its best: 2024 to 2034."
5 Stars Michael Cooper, November 2023 (2022 Vintage)
"The delicious 2022 vintage was hand-picked and fermented and matured in French oak barriques (partly new). Bright, light yellow/green, it is mouthfilling, fleshy and savoury, with rich, ripe stonefruit flavours, well-integrated oak adding complexity, and a finely textured, lingering finish. A refined, strongly varietal wine, it should be at its best 2025+."
Rated Outstanding & 95/100 Cameron Douglas MS, October 2023 (2022 Vintage)
"Complex and enticing bouquet of fresh stone fruits and ripe citrus, there’s a layer of spice and cashew nut oak adding complexity and depth. As the wine opens out in glass aromas of crumbled stone and burnt butter, extended lees contact and some wild white floral and mineral combinations begin to emerge. Youthful, expressive textures, a moment of reduction with a flinty note, fruit and oak flavours mirror the bouquet framed by a structure of youth and power, concentration and style. A dry lengthy finish, taut and new, flavourful and classic Tony Bish style. Well made with best drinking from late 2024 through 2029+."
93/100 Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review, November 2023 (2022 vintage)
"Pure, vibrant, high-energy chardonnay with green apple, toast, oyster shell, hazelnut and spicy oak flavours. An excellent result from a challenging vintage. Deliciously drinkable now but would benefit from a few years’ bottle age."