ROHE AWATERE VALLEY CHARDONNAY
$0.00Awatere Valley
Follows the rivers natural path from the mountains out towards the sea. Although this site is situated on a higher river terrace, it's protected from the winds and has a complex fertile soil matrix of silt, gravel and clay. The vineyard is cool and dry, which consistently produces elegant Chardonnays with delicate acidity.
TASTING NOTES
A longer growing season gives bright aromas of grapefruit and lemon meringue pie. The palate shows ripe citrus underpinned with focused acidity and impressive length. Enjoyable on release, the wine will continue to evolve over the next eight years.
VINTAGE REPORT & WINEMAKING
The growing season had more rainfall than normal, significantly throughout winter, which provided good soil moisture. Unsettled and cooler weather over flowering resulted in average yields across the Awatere sub-region. Better weather in late summer and autumn allowed for slow and even ripening. The Chardonnay grapes were harvested then, after gently pressing, the juice underwent primary fermentation. Afterwards, the wine completed malolactic fermentation to convert the harsh malic acid into softer lactic acid. The wine was aged for nine months, 20% new oak barrels were selected to complement the fruit flavour.
2025 TASTING NOTE
2024 TASTING NOTE
2023 TASTING NOTE
ACCOLADES & REVIEWS
Gold | New Zealand International Wine Show 2025
Gold | Marlborough Wine Show 2025
93 points & Excellent+ | Cameron Douglas MS, 2025
"A lovely bouquet with a complex mix of fruit, then wood spices, then seaside suggestions. Aromas and flavours of citrus and pith, peel and grapefruit. Then scents of white and yellow peaches, apple and a fine layer of smoky wood spice. Balanced and well made with a stin-cream touch, nice backbone of acidity and freshness with a saline touch. Complex and dry, medium+ length and lots of style. A great food wine with best drinking from 2025-2030"
92 points | The Real Review, 2025
"A cloud of complex sulfides floats over the zingy core of green apple, sweet herb and oyster-shell minerality. Racy, driving acidity runs through the palate, creating a linear shape and pushing its length past the pith and spice. Young and sleek, it is packed with flavour which will unfurl with savoury, nutty complexity if given time in bottle"
94 points | International Wine and Spirits Competition 2026
"An appealing smoky, flinty nose with elegant oak, ripe apple, pineapple and sweet spice. Custard apple, nutmeg and creamy, buttery oak show mineral complexity with a long and savoury, structured finish."
94 points & 5 stars | Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, 2025
"Wonderfully styled with seductive complexity, the wine exhibits aromas og golden peach, mango, lemon zest, vanilla and roasted hazelnut. The concentrated palate offers terrific weight and creamy flow, splendidly structured by beautifully integrated acidity, making it flavoursome and highly appealing."
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