Doctors Flat Central Otago Chardonnay 2024

Doctors Flat Central Otago Chardonnay is a finely structured, mineral-driven Chardonnay from a single organic vineyard in Bannockburn. Preserved lemon, nectarine and ripe stone fruit meet hints of pineapple, warm brioche and grilled nuts, while fresh acidity and a savoury mineral line keep the palate focused. This inaugural commercial release comes from Chardonnay vines planted by Steve Davies in 2020, bringing the same restrained, site-led approach behind Doctors Flat Pinot Noir to a new variety. Generous fruit and subtle richness are balanced by impressive structure and length, making it a strong match for roast chicken, grilled fish or buttery shellfish dishes.

What the winery says:

Doctors Flat is a single vineyard in Bannockburn, planted over glacial gravels containing schist, clay and fine silt deposited from the Cairnmuir Mountains. The vineyard is organically farmed to support the relationship between the vines and soil biology. Chardonnay was added to the property in 2020, with 0.6 hectares planted to clones 548 and Mendoza, and 2024 marks the first commercial release. The grapes were whole-bunch pressed and fermented in barrel with indigenous yeast. Malolactic fermentation was delayed until spring, with sulphur added in late summer, before the wine was racked with light lees to tank and bottled after a second winter. It contains 13.8% alcohol.

What the experts say:

Mark Henderson, Otago Daily Times, Outstanding (2024 Vintage)
“Nectarine and stone fruits lead the palate, hints of pineapple, again that minerality, delicious juiciness that gives openness, yet structure promising more.”