Framingham Chardonnay 2023

Framingham Chardonnay relies on harmony between quality fruit and winemaking technique to find its balance, sourced from three sites across the Central Wairau Valley and built from two clones - 96 and Mendoza - in equal measure. It opens with ripe yellow citrus, nectarine and brioche, with subtle toasty notes running underneath. The palate is finely textured, moving from Meyer lemon through to stone fruit, carried by a lively acid line that keeps things fresh rather than heavy. Spontaneous fermentation in French oak puncheons and ten months on full ferment lees have given the wine real depth without dulling its brightness - a Marlborough Chardonnay built on precision as much as generosity.

What the winery says:
Fruit for this wine was sourced from three sites in the Central Wairau Valley, using clone 96 and Mendoza clone fruit in equal measure. No sulphur was added to the juice at the point of extraction, and fermentation occurred spontaneously in 500-litre French oak puncheons, fifteen percent of which were new. All components underwent malolactic fermentation and were aged on full ferment lees for ten months before being blended and bottled.

Cameron Douglas, MS, camdouglasms.com, 93 Points (2023 Vintage)
"Aromas and flavours of pink grapefruit and fresh red apple, white peach and natural fruit and wood spices. Plenty of texture and weight as the wine touches the palate with near full-body impact, a youthful acid line and flavours that reflect the bouquet. Fine tannins, lees and a saline quality layer in both complexity and length. Best drinking from early 2025 through 2030+."