Windrush Empire Chardonnay 2023

Windrush Organic Empire Chardonnay is a small-production, single-vineyard Marlborough Chardonnay grown from just 722 vines in Renwick. It sits in the richer, more textural camp, but keeps its shape through bright acidity and a mineral, citrus-led edge. French oak fermentation brings gentle toast and creaminess rather than overpowering the fruit, making this an appealing choice for drinkers who like Chardonnay with depth, freshness and a little savoury complexity. A smart match for roast chicken, pan-fried fish, creamy seafood dishes or a relaxed dinner where you want something more serious than a simple fruit-driven white.

What the winery says:

The nose opens with vanilla and apricot, followed by fresh citrus and a touch of crème brûlée. Pink grapefruit, ripe melon and apricot lead the palate, with toasty almond and lemon zest through the finish. The fruit was hand harvested from the organically established Gee Street vineyard in Renwick, planted in 2016 with mainly clone 548 and smaller amounts of the rare 1066 and 121 clones. Whole bunch pressed with minimal sulphur, the juice was cold settled and transferred to French oak barrels, including 20% new oak, for indigenous yeast fermentation. Light lees stirring and malolactic fermentation added further texture and complexity.

What the experts say:

Cameron Douglas MS, 94/100 (2023 Vintage)
"Full-bodied and dry with fine tannins and medium+ acid line, flavours of stone fruits and red apple, vanilla and a Brazil-nut cream idea."