2022 TWR Chardonnay
$42.00
The growing conditions, here in Marlborough, mean that it is well-suited for the production of world class Chardonnay. We have a relatively cool climate which results in a long, even growing season which is great for flavour development. This creates an environment where we can make a style of Chardonnay which balances concentration and complexity, whilst retaining the finesse that a higher natural acidity brings – which is unashamedly the style we like to drink!
This 2022 release is a blend of the 2 clones of Chardonnay we have planted on our TWR home block here at the winery. We have the Mendoza clone planted in 1979 plus a small amount of Clone 6 that was planted mid-80s. The wine is made using traditional techniques.
Tasting Notes
Lifted aromas of grapefruit, toasted almond, and white nectarine are complemented by smoky, savoury notes, white florals and hints of spice. These aromas follow on to complex, supple palate with real depth of flavour including grapefruit, fresh fig and white stone-fruit as well as savoury, mineral notes. Well integrated toasty oak and a lingering, spicy persistence complete this wine.
Reviews
93 Points – Stephen Wong MW
Green apple, sweet herb and celery seed aromas create a salivating backdrop for the mid-weight palate with concentrated, crisp white peach and grapefruit flavours that coat the flinty, pithy structure of this expressively mineral wine. The acidity emphasises the greener parts of this chardonnay but also gives it great drive and length. Stylish and quite ‘Chablisien’ in interpretation.
95 Points Outstanding – Cameron Douglas MS
Youthful and taut bouquet with scents of grapefruit and white peach, red apple and flinty stony qualities. The youth and power, some concentration and drive, purity of fruit and tension in the style. On the palate a delicious wine driven by the flinty red apple and citrus qualities then layers of spice and mineral from soil and a light measure of oak. Acidity and fine fruit tannins deliver a perfect mouthfeel and freshness, while the core fruit flavours tease out the breadth and complexity. A wine to keep in the cellar for another 18 months to 2 years then imbibe from 2026 through 2030+
95 Points – Sam Kim
Beautifully composed with elegant complexity, the wine shows ripe stone fruit, rockmelon, lemon peel, nougat and almond meal nuances on the nose. The palate displays excellent weight and presence, splendidly framed by creamy texture and finely pitched acidity, leading to a persistent, expansive finish.
91 Points – Erin Larkin for Wine Advocate
The 2022 Chardonnay is silky and creamy in the mouth, with crushed nuts and a hint of custard powder. The Mendoza clones were planted in 19798, and the Clone 6 vines were planted in 1984. Simple winemaking involves 100% malolactic fermentation, 25% new oak and all 600-liter French oak barrels. Anna Flowery at Te Whare Ra buys two new large-format oak barrels per year, and this is where they are used/seasoned first. This is a very pretty wine, sleek and elegant, with white peach, lemon pith, vanilla wafer and brine
92 Points – James Suckling
An attractive purity of fruit, with ripe green apples. Stone and hints of citrus and brioche on both the nose and palate. It’s medium-bodied with a creamy texture and a medium-fruity finish.