ROHE SOUTHERN VALLEYS CHARDONNAY
$0.00SOUTHERN VALLEYS
The soils of the Southern Valleys subregion naturally restrict vine vigour. This sub-region sits inland, away from the Marlborough coast, with cool evening temperatures during the critical ripening period, preserving acidity and extending ripening for Chardonnay.
TASTING NOTES
Expressive citrus and stone fruit aromas such as melon, ripe peach and nectarine complement grapefruit, vanilla and brioche flavours on the palate. These flavours are framed with a flinty complexity and core of juicy acidity. This wine is immediately enjoyable but will continue to drink well for the next eight years.
VINTAGE REPORT & WINEMAKING
The 2023 growing season produced exceptional fruit in the Southern Valleys sub-region. Cool and unsettled weather over flowering created loose and lighter bunches. Warm days were balanced with nights that were particularly cool, and this helped to stop any botrytis that may have occurred early in the season. This allowed us to leave the fruit hanging on the vine until it was perfectly ripe, with concentrated the fruit flavours. The grapes for this wine were handharvested from vineyards located in the Omaka Valley. The fruit was gently pressed in small presses, then transferred to French Oak for fermentation using natural yeasts. Once the barrels were dry a secondary fermentation converted the malic acid into softer lactic acid. The wine was aged for ten months in barrel. A total of 39% new oak was selected to complement the fruit flavour.
2025 TASTING NOTE
2024 TASTING NOTE
2023 TASTING NOTE
ACCOLADES & REVIEWS
Champion Chardonnay Trophy & Double Gold | New Zealand International Wine Show, 2024
96 points & Gold | New Zealand International Wine Show 2025
Gold | Marlborough Wine Show 2025
93 points | National Wine Awards of Aotearoa, 2025
93 points & Excellent | Cameron Douglas MS, 2025
"There's no mistaking the style and power of this wine with a bouquet of barrel spices and ripe orchard fruits. Aromas of vanilla and baked goods framing a core of peach and apple with a grapefruit peel suggestion. Lots of weight and creaminess, spice and fruits on the palate set in a dry style with fine tannins and medium+ acid line. Lovely balance and length, still youthful with ageing and development potential. Best drinking from early 2026 through 2029."
93 points | The Real Review, 2025
"Refined flintiness with linden flowers and white pepper on the nose is heavily contrasted against the burst of lemon curd, sweet apple and honeysuckle on the palate. Juicy and filled with fruit, the mid-weight palate manages to maintain an elegant flow through the tidy array of pretty flavours."
92 points | James Suckling, 2026
"A rich chardonnay with aromas of butterscotch, struck match and lemon curd. Full-bodied with a rich, enveloping texture and sufficient vibrancy to add balance. Persistent and textural in the finish. Drink now."
92 points | International Wine & Spirits Competition, 2026
"Intense, complex nose of yellow apple, pear, quince and smoky flint with integrated oak. Mineral-driven with fresh acidity, peach, and bruised apple, finishing long with wet stone and vanilla pod"
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