Lake Chalice The Raptor Chardonnay 2024

Lake Chalice The Raptor Chardonnay is a full-bodied Marlborough Chardonnay with ripe fruit, creamy texture and plenty of savoury detail. Dried citrus peel, nectarine and fig meet toasted hazelnut, smoky flint and warm spice, while bright acidity keeps the rich palate fresh and composed. Barrel fermentation and extended French oak maturation add pastry-like complexity and a gently charred edge without burying the fruit. Silky, layered and already highly approachable, it also has the structure to develop further in bottle. A particularly good match for crispy pork belly, grilled swordfish or roast chicken with a buttery sauce.

What the winery says:

The Chardonnay was hand-harvested from two carefully selected vineyards in Marlborough. It was barrel fermented using 17% new oak, then matured for 10 months in seasoned French oak barriques. The winery describes dried citrus peel, smoky flint, ripe fig and toasted hazelnut aromas, followed by a smooth, rich palate with warm spice, hazelnut, fig and charred wood notes. The wine contains 13.5% alcohol, is vegan-friendly and can be enjoyed now or cellared for more than five years.

What the experts say:

Candice Chow, 94/100 (2024 Vintage)
“A striking Chardonnay featuring pure fruit and rich toasty details.”

Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, 93/100 & 5 Stars (2024 Vintage)
“The palate offers succulent fruit flavours with a gentle oak infusion, beautifully supported by bright acidity, finishing creamy and elegant.”

Cameron Douglas MS, 92/100 & Excellent (2024 Vintage)
“The wine finishes as it began with a pure fruited core and vibrant texture.”