5 Points
97 Points
96 Points
96 Points
94 Points

Bilancia Kaikora Vineyard Chardonnay 2022

SKU: BLKC202210 UCNZ

$54.99

Unit price: per

Rated 97 points by Robert Parker, the Bilancia Kaikora Vineyard Chardonnay 2022 exemplifies elegance and harmony, showcasing the unique terroir of Central Hawke’s Bay.

Made using 100% whole bunch pressing and indigenous fermentation, this Chardonnay is aged on lees for 10 months, resulting in a complex and layered flavor profile.

With bright citrus notes and a flinty minerality, this wine is an outstanding choice for food lovers, perfectly complementing a variety of dishes.

Critic Scores

5 // Michael Cooper

"Is this the best wine yet from Central Hawke's Bay? Grown at Otane (Kaikora is the original name for the town of Otane), the youthful 2022 vintage was hand-harvested, and fermented and matured in French oak barriques (partly new). Bright, light yellow/green, it has a fragrant, citrusy, slightly smoky, complex bouquet. Full-bodied, it had deep, vibrant, citrusy, peachy, mealy flavours, finely integrated oak, good acid spine, and excellent vigour, poise and length. Best drinking 2026+"

97 // Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"The 2022 Kaikora Vineyard Chardonnay hails from Central Hawke's Bay, a cool area. This is a brand-new vineyard, planted in 2018, and 2021 was the first vintage. Just like the 2021 that I tasted a couple of months ago, this is a penetrating, harmonious wine. The acidity and the fruit flow as one across the tongue, shaped by very fine phenolics that feel soft and whippy through the finish. Superb wine, elegant, classy, poised. A joy. I love the levity. It's chalky and a little grippy. This may see slightly less malolactic fermentation than the other single-vineyard Chardonnays. 13% alcohol, sealed under screw cap."

96 // Gary Walsh

"Woah, this one knocked me back a bit. A bit of struck match, lemon oil, nectarine, spice. Tight and flinty, intense core of acidity, runs from front to back with such power. Grapefruit zesty. So lively. Superb."

96 // Jamie Goode

"This has a distinctive matchstick/mineral reductive note on the nose, which is really appealing, offering brightness and pure, zesty citrus fruit. The palate is lean and detailed with a mineral framing to the ripe but precise lemon, grapefruit and pear fruit. There might even be some pineapple tropicality here in the background. Such energy and focus to this wine: it’s quite brilliant."

94 // Jasper Morris MW

"Very pretty nose. Distinct reduction but paired with impressive fruit concentration; lemon and red grapefruit, white nectarine. Nougat. Not a bold wine but has an interesting interplay between mineral acidity, subtle oak and fruit. Drink from 2025 - 2031."

Product Details

White

2022

Chardonnay

Bilancia

Hawkes Bay, New Zealand

5-10 Years

Stelvin

13.0%

750ml (Bottle)

Available for Purchase

Estimated dispatch from Warehouse: Thursday, January 02, 2025

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Description

Bilancia Kaikora Vineyard Chardonnay 2022 is a remarkable single-vineyard expression from the original Kaikora site in Ōtāne, Central Hawke’s Bay. Crafted from fruit grown in a moderately cooler climate, this Chardonnay showcases the region's distinctive characteristics. The wine undergoes traditional winemaking techniques, including 100% whole bunch pressing directly into barriques, and is fermented using indigenous yeasts before being aged on lees for ten months.
On the nose, you’ll find an intriguing mix of flint, lemon oil, and ripe nectarine, with hints of pink grapefruit adding brightness. The palate reveals a harmonious balance of vibrant citrus and mineral notes, supported by a soft, chalky texture. Praised by critics for its elegance and focus, this Chardonnay is not only a joy to sip but also pairs beautifully with a range of dishes, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. Enjoy now or cellar with confidence for further development.
Tasting Profile

Light

Full

Low Tannin

Tannic

Sweet

Dry

Low Acidity

High Acidity

Aroma:

Lemon, Nectarine, Pink Grapefruit

Palate:

Chalk, Citrus, Mineral

Food Pairings:

Cheese

Fish

Poultry

Tasting Notes

Description

Bilancia Kaikora Vineyard Chardonnay 2022 is a remarkable single-vineyard expression from the original Kaikora site in Ōtāne, Central Hawke’s Bay. Crafted from fruit grown in a moderately cooler climate, this Chardonnay showcases the region's distinctive characteristics. The wine undergoes traditional winemaking techniques, including 100% whole bunch pressing directly into barriques, and is fermented using indigenous yeasts before being aged on lees for ten months.

On the nose, you’ll find an intriguing mix of flint, lemon oil, and ripe nectarine, with hints of pink grapefruit adding brightness. The palate reveals a harmonious balance of vibrant citrus and mineral notes, supported by a soft, chalky texture. Praised by critics for its elegance and focus, this Chardonnay is not only a joy to sip but also pairs beautifully with a range of dishes, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. Enjoy now or cellar with confidence for further development.

Tasting Profile

Light
Full

Low Tannin
Tannic

Sweet
Dry

Low Acidity
High Acidity

Aroma:

Lemon, Nectarine, Pink Grapefruit

Palate:

Chalk, Citrus, Mineral

Food Pairings:

Cheese

Fish

Poultry

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