Tony Bish Fat & Sassy Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2024
Case Buys Only | 6 x 750ml
Tony Bish Fat & Sassy Hawkes Bay Chardonnay delivers exactly what the name promises, combining generous, creamy Chardonnay fruit with a fresh, lively finish. Peach, apricot, red apple and nashi pear are joined by tropical notes of mango and pawpaw, while toasted brioche, gentle oak spice and a fine line of acidity add depth and balance. Barrel fermentation and extended lees ageing give the palate plenty of texture without weighing it down. Approachable, flavour-packed and made for sharing, this is a versatile choice for roast chicken, creamy pasta or a relaxed weekend lunch.
What the winery says:
The Hawke's Bay fruit was machine harvested, gently destemmed without crushing and pressed to tank for settling. After racking, the juice was transferred to a large 9-hectolitre French oak cuvée and barriques for fermentation and maturation. Primary fermentation was carried out using CY3079 yeast, followed by malolactic fermentation across all batches. The wine was then aged sur lie for nine months before racking, filtration and bottling. The winery describes peach, fresh red apple, firm apricot, nashi pear, mango and pawpaw, with creamy stone fruit, toasted brioche, oak spice and fresh acidity through the finish. Alcohol is 12.5%, with 1.5 grams per litre of residual sugar.
What the experts say:
Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, 93/100 and 5 Stars (2024)
“It's delightfully fruited and inviting on the nose, showing golden peach, mango, vanilla, and assorted nut aromas. The palate is equally appealing with succulent fruit intensity, backed by creamy texture and finely infused acidity, making it flavoursome and deliciously attractive. At its best: now to 2029”.
Cameron Douglas MS, 92/100 (2024)
“A delicious wine from the TB stable - aromas and flavours of fresh grapefruit and peach, lots of apple and fruit spice then a fine layer of vanilla and cheesy cream. Dry on the palate with medium+ weight, plenty of acidity delivers a nice palate squeeze and ensures flavours are available throughout the palate and cellar worthy. Best drinking from 2025 through 2028”.
Candice Chow, Candice Wine Chat, 91/100 (2024)
“The creamy palate features forward fruit and toasty details, showing purity and freshness. A touch of spice lifts the finish and lends a juicy finish”.
