The Boneline Sharkstone North Canterbury Chardonnay 2023
The Boneline Sharkstone North Canterbury Chardonnay brings richness and precision together in a beautifully textured Waipara Chardonnay. Aromas of grapefruit, orange zest and grilled stone fruit mingle with peach blossom, baking spice and a gentle smoky note. On the palate, ripe nectarine and citrus have plenty of weight, but a fresh line of acidity and distinctive saline minerality keep everything wonderfully focused. Subtle oak adds warmth and complexity without overwhelming the fruit, while the long, silky finish makes it an excellent match for roast chicken, buttery seafood or mushroom risotto. A rewarding Chardonnay with genuine depth, elegance and plenty of character.
What the winery says:
Made from estate-grown fruit in North Canterbury's Waipara Valley, with a strong presence of the Mendoza Chardonnay clone. The grapes are hand-harvested and gently pressed, with individual parcels wild-fermented in French oak, 20% of which is new. Around 70% undergoes spontaneous malolactic fermentation, followed by approximately ten months in barrel and a further six months on lees in stainless steel. The result balances generous stone fruit and citrus flavours with fine acidity, savoury complexity and a distinctive mineral finish.
What the experts say:
Cameron Douglas MS, 95/100 Outstanding (2023 Vintage)
“A full richly scented bouquet with barrel spices and roasted stone fruit then baking spices, cashew nut and vanilla. Classic, new and complex. A delicious wine on the palate with flavours of roasted nectarine and peach, grapefruit and baking spices. Full-bodied with vanilla and nut, wood smoke and stony mineral qualities. Well made with fine tannins and medium+ acid line. Best drinking from day of purchase through 2030.
Stephen Wong MW, 93/100 (2023 Vintage)
"Complex, layered fruit with subtle savoury tones and noticeable pithiness initially. The grapefruit and citrus flavours expand across the palate, picking up some nutty tahini and creamy vanilla notes before firming up with phenolics and oak on the back. Restrained, a bit edgy and tight, this slowly opened up with air to reveal more perfumed floral and herbal notes here which will develop in the mid-term. Identifiably sappy Mendoza clone flavours hold on the finish, addling to the fruit length. One for the cellar 24 Dec 2024."
