Winemaker Notes
The lower lying and east sloping vines of Block 2 (with its deep, schist gravel soil), yield a Chardonnay with an enticing bouquet of white blossom and crushed stones. Respectful winemaking (with a pleasing absence of new oak) allows the subtle fruit characters to interweave with the intriguing saline and mineral notes on the palate. The usual bright acidity furnishes focus and length, and harmoniously integrates the broad mid-palate in this complex and very fine rendition.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Perfumed and subtle lemon and sliced apple aromas follow through to a medium body with so much finesse, yet it’s structured and lightly chewy. Long finish. Exceptional. From biodynamically grown grapes. Better in two or three years. Screw cap.
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Vinous
The 2024 Chardonnay Block 2 is focused, firm and athletic. It has drive and continually propels forward. Ripe citrus and nectarine combine with sophisticated oak use that adds complexity. The 2024 is tight and compact but intense, with all the components to evolve and unfurl over the next decade and beyond.
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.
Home to the globe’s most southerly vineyards, which are cultivated below the 45th parallel, Central Otago is a true one-of-a-kind wine growing region, but not only because of its extreme location.
Central Otago is more dependent on one single variety than any other region in New Zealand—and it isn’t Sauvignon blanc. They don’t even make Sauvignon blanc there.
Pinot Noir claims nearly 75% of the region’s vineyards with Pinot Gris coming in a far second place and Riesling behind it. This is also New Zealand’s only wine region with a continental climate, giving it more diurnal and seasonal temperature shifts than any other.
The subregion of Bannockburn has enjoyed the most success historically but the area’s exceptional growth has moved to the promising regions of Cromwell/Bendigo and Alexandra districts. Central Otago is known for its fruity and full-bodied Pinot noir. With the freedom to experiment here, growers and winemakers are easily exhibiting the area’s great potential.