Vavasour Estate Chardonnay 2023

Tasting Notes

The Awatere Valley is Marlborough at its coolest and most exacting — a place where Chardonnay ripens slowly to build genuine complexity. Vavasour's Chardonnay captures the valley's hallmark minerality and precision, opening with citrus blossom and white peach before revealing nectarine and subtle toasty oak on the palate. The texture is rich yet restrained, with a long, smooth finish that speaks to careful barrel work and Awatere's natural acidity.

Key Selling Points

Awatere Valley's cool, windy climate produces mineral, tightly structured Chardonnay with real personality. Hand-crafted by a pioneering Marlborough estate. Elegant restraint and food-wine versatility. Terroir-driven expression with subtle oak integration.

Accolades

Air New Zealand Wine Awards — Medal winner. Praised by NZ wine press for Awatere Valley mineral complexity and food-wine versatility.

Winemaking

Whole-bunch pressed, barrel-fermented in French oak (25% new). Aged on lees 10 months with regular bâtonnage for texture. Minimal SO2 additions. Unfined, lightly filtered.

Cuisine Pairing

Pan-seared blue marlin, seafood pasta with cream sauce, roast chicken with lemon and herbs, crab cakes, soft rinded cheeses, mushroom risotto.

Cellaring & Serving

Drink now to 2027. Optimal window 2024–2026. Serve at 10–12°C.

Wine Details