Decibel Chenin Blanc 2024

Decibel Chenin Blanc takes Hawke’s Bay Chenin into a richer, more textural direction, with cooked apple, quince, brioche and warm spice layered over bright citrus freshness. The palate opens clean and lively, then broadens through a creamy middle before finishing with charred Granny Smith apple, pink grapefruit and a fine, persistent grip. Fruit comes from the certified organic Two Terraces vineyard in the inland Mangatahi Terraces, where cool nights help retain lift and definition. Barrel fermentation and lees work give it plenty of personality without dulling Chenin’s natural energy. A smart choice for adventurous Chardonnay drinkers, and excellent with roast pork, creamy chicken or gently spiced vegetable dishes.

What the winery says:

The 2024 fruit was hand harvested and whole bunch pressed in two parcels, with Chenin Blanc clones 220 and 880 picked several days apart. After settling, the juice went to barrel, largely 500-litre French puncheons with one new puncheon. Fermentation continued slowly through winter, with some components retaining a little residual sugar for balance. The wine remained unsulphured for more than seven months, receiving regular lees stirring to build texture and weight, before being racked in early 2025 and bottled in mid-February. The certified organic Two Terraces site lies on ancient Ngaruroro River terraces, with shallow stony silt loams over red metal soils and volcanic influence.

What the experts say:

Stephen Wong MW, The Real Review, 95/100 and 5 Stars (2024)
“Clouds of lemon, honey and ginger unfurl across the nose of this softly perfumed chenin blanc. An ethereal and subtly persistent, off-dry rendition of the variety, this keeps drawing you back for more despite being very light on its feet. Beautifully balanced, the acidity never dominates, letting the wine's perfumed personality take centre-stage. A sensitively made, deliciously fine-tuned example”