Elephant Hill Chardonnay 2025

Elephant Hill Chardonnay brings together the freshness of coastal Hawke's Bay Chardonnay with a little more generosity from warmer inland vineyards. White and yellow peach, grapefruit and citrus lead the way, backed by subtle leesy complexity, finely judged oak and a creamy weight through the palate. Bright acidity keeps everything precise and lively, giving this plenty of shape without tipping into heaviness. Fruit comes from Elephant Hill's SEA, EARTH and STONE vineyards, making this a smart introduction to the different corners of their Hawke's Bay estate. A polished choice for roast chicken, grilled fish or a creamy seafood pasta.

What the winery says:

The 2025 Chardonnay is predominantly sourced from the cool coastal SEA vineyard, with warmer inland fruit from the EARTH and STONE vineyards adding ripeness and roundness. Fermentation took place in a combination of barrel and tank. The wine then spent 11 months on full lees with 20% new French oak, followed by a further six months resting on light lees before release.

What the experts say:

Cameron Douglas MS, 93/100 (2025)
"Pristine, fresh, youthful, varietal and generous, a bouquet and palate of fresh white and yellow peaches, sweet grapefruit, a layer of fine lees and judicious use of oak. A dry wine on the palate with plenty of weight and precision, flavours reflect the bouquet framed by very fine tannins and a backbone of acidity. Delicious, fresh and ready for Spring and Summer 2026 through 2031."