Smith & Sheth CRU Heretaunga Chardonnay 2022

Tasting Notes:    Bright pale straw colour with lemon tinges. Lovely fresh aromas of white-fleshed peach, roasted cashews and hints of river stones and toasted brioche. The palate is immediately open with ripe stonefruit and confit lemon flavours surrounded by a lovely creamy texture, a hint of fine oak, and finishing long with a savoury, flinty twist.

REVIEWS:
Michael Cooper    5 Stars    NZ Listener, 20 Apr 2024    Offering good value, this classy, youthful wine was hand-picked at Bridge Pa, Omahu and Mangatahi. Fleshy and sweet-fruited, it has ripe stonefruit flavours, biscuity and savoury notes adding complexity, and obvious potential for cellaring. Best drinking 2026+

Cameron Douglas MS    95 Points    Top Wine 2023    There’s no mistaking the ripeness of fruit and pungency of stones and new barrels are locked into the bouquet. Nectarines and fresh peaches, grapefruit skin and raw sugar scent of oak. Youthful, vibrant and complex. Equally youthful and bright on the palate with a satin-cream touch then contrasting acidity and core fruit flavours that mirror the bouquet. Tannins from wood then fruit along with a decent acid line set the structure then plushness from ripe fruits and weight from the alcohol and complexity fill out the palate. A delicious example with power and presence, a great drink on its own or with food. Best drinking from late 2023 through 2029.

About Smith & Sheth:     As contemporary negociants, Steve Smith MW and Brian Sheth seek out the exceptional. Hand selecting the best grapes from the finest vineyards. Establishing steadfast relationships with the land, growers and makers who form the DNA of our CRU