18.5 Points
5 Points
4 Points
93 Points
93 Points

Gold - New Zealand International Wine Show

Gold - Aotearoa Regional Wine Competition

Wild Earth Chardonnay 2023

SKU: WECH202310 UCNZ

~~$36.99~~ $34.99

Unit price: per

The Chardonnay grapes came from the Highgrange Vineyard situated at 336m-352m in Pisa.

The 16-year-old vines are planted with Clone 95 (60% of the wine) and Mendoza (40%); two complimentary clones that give texture and freshness to the wine.

The wine was fermented and aged for 9.5 months in 5% new French oak from the premium Troncais forest in France; the rest in older French barriques.

Critic Scores & Awards

18.5 // Joelle Thomson

"“Smooth silky textured Chardonnay underpinned by crisp acidity and deep lemon aromas which lead into a fleshy, full bodied wine with great balance. This lovely Central Otago Chardonnay is made with hand picked grapes grown on the Highgrange Vineyard, which is situated at 336 to 352 metres above sea level in Pisa, Central Otago. The wine spent nine and a half months in French oak, five per cent of which was new. Rounded”."

5 // Sam Kim

"This concentrated, bright and citrus-laden Chardonnay showcases the advantages of growing grapes at elevation in a warmer season. There is a delicious combination of fresh citrus, orange zest and apple on the nose, while the palate has incredible fruit purity and exquisite freshness. Each layer comes together in wonderful harmony delivering a very balanced and delicious wine. Intensely focused and fresh in its youth, this wine should develop beautifully for 12+ years."

4 // Michael Cooper

"“The very youthful 2023 vintage (****) is a single-vineyard wine, hand-picked at Pisa, and fermented and matured for nine months in French oak casks (5% new). Bright, light yellow/green, it is fresh, full-bodied and dry, with vigorous, peachy, citrusy flavours, and biscuity, creamy notes adding complexity. Elegant and restrained, it’s a distinctly cool-climate style, likely to be at its best 2026+”."

93 // Cameron Douglas MS

"“A very attractive bouquet of fresh white peach and apple, some grapefruit then gentle spices from barrel, a whisper of lees complexity and white earth mineral quality. A lovely satin touch on the palate with a backbone of acidity, fine fruit and wood spice flavours, white fleshed fruit and some barrel smoke and vanilla. Tannins are super fine adding mouthfeel and length. A balanced and well made wine with ageing, development and cellar time ahead if required. Best drinking from mid to late 2025 through 2030”."

93 // Candice Chow

"“Bright, even, pale straw yellow. The nose is gently full, with aromas of citrus, apple, peach, cashew, yoghurt, vanilla and subtle spice. Medium-bodied, aromas of lemon and grapefruit melded with apple, peach, unfolding a hint of yoghurt, fine spice and cashew. The wine has youthful fruit and good energy, supported by fresh yet soft acidity. Subtle spice and a lightly creamy mouthfeel contribute complexity. This young Chardonnay is well-made with a citrus core, delicate details and a sleek line. Match with pork and white fish over the next 5+ years. Fruit from the Highgrange Vineyard in Pisa, 60% clone 95 and 40% clone Mendoza. Whole bunch pressed, wild fermented on full solids, 75% underwent MLF, aged 9.5 months, 5% new oak. 18.5/20 pts (93 pts)”."

Gold - New Zealand International Wine Show

Gold - Aotearoa Regional Wine Competition

Product Details

White

2023

Chardonnay

Wild Earth

Central Otago, New Zealand

15 Plus Years

Stelvin

13.0%

750ml (Bottle)

In Stock

Ready for dispatch from Warehouse same or next business day

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Description

This concentrated, bright and citrus-laden Chardonnay showcases the advantages of growing grapes at elevation in a warmer season. There is a delicious combination of fresh citrus, orange zest and apple on the nose, while the palate has incredible fruit purity and exquisite freshness. Each layer comes together in wonderful harmony delivering a very balanced and delicious wine. Intensely focused and fresh in its youth, this wine should develop beautifully for 12+ years.
Tasting Profile

Light

Full

Low Tannin

Tannic

Sweet

Dry

Low Acidity

High Acidity

Aroma:

Apple, Cherry, Mushroom

Palate:

Blue Fruits, Dried Herbs, Red Fruits

Food Pairings:

Game

Poultry

Tasting Notes

Description

This concentrated, bright and citrus-laden Chardonnay showcases the advantages of growing grapes at elevation in a warmer season. There is a delicious combination of fresh citrus, orange zest and apple on the nose, while the palate has incredible fruit purity and exquisite freshness. Each layer comes together in wonderful harmony delivering a very balanced and delicious wine. Intensely focused and fresh in its youth, this wine should develop beautifully for 12+ years.

Tasting Profile

Light
Full

Low Tannin
Tannic

Sweet
Dry

Low Acidity
High Acidity

Aroma:

Apple, Cherry, Mushroom

Palate:

Blue Fruits, Dried Herbs, Red Fruits

Food Pairings:

Game

Poultry

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