Novum Chardonnay 2024

Novum Chardonnay is a poised, mineral-driven Marlborough Chardonnay from the old-vine Riverbrook Vineyard in the central Wairau Plains. Pineapple, pear and citrus lead into brioche, nougat and subtle creamy oak, while lemon curd, orange zest, hazelnut and sourdough bring savoury depth to the palate. Crisp acidity and a distinctly stony line keep the richness beautifully controlled, carrying everything through a long, precise finish. Made from Mendoza-clone vines planted around 1979 to 1980 on an ancient greywacke riverbed, this is Chardonnay with texture, concentration and plenty of place. Try it with grilled snapper, roast chicken or buttery shellfish.

What the winery says:

The 2024 comes entirely from Mendoza-clone Chardonnay grown at Riverbrook Vineyard, where exposed greywacke stones help create a warm ripening environment. Following a warm and dry finish to the 2024 growing season, the fruit was hand-harvested and gently whole-bunch pressed. Juice was cold settled for 12 hours before transfer to barrel with light lees for wild fermentation, using 10% new oak. The wine then remained on lees in barrel for 13 months, with monthly stirring, before bottling in March 2025. Novum describes a finely concentrated, elegant wine with pineapple, pear, citrus, creamy nutty oak and brioche, balanced by crisp mineral acidity and a long finish. Suggested cellaring is six to seven years.

What the experts say:

Cameron Douglas MS, 95 Points and Outstanding (2024)
"Fantastic wine, taut and youthful with a bouquet of flinty fresh stone and citrus fruits."

Erin Larkin, Robert Parker Wine Advocate, 94+ Points (2024)
"It's toasty and spicy, lean and nutty, with green apple acidity and attractive waxy phenolics."