Grown in the Ohiti valley in western Hawke’s Bay – the company have supplied fruit to several top local producers over the years, and are now aiming to ‘be responsible for Hawke’s Bay’s best Chardonnay’. This is their entry-level bottling – tasted on-site in a visit this year. A bright straw yellow colour in the glass, with a tinge of green. Bold – let’s call it ‘old school’ aromas of ripe stonefruit, citrus, cardamom, sliced fennel and honeysuckle. Rich and full-bodied with plenty of weight and texture through the middle. The toast of french oak wraps around the fruit, with nuts and breadcrumb notes sliding through into a robust and sweetening finish. In ‘a style’ that will find its fans. Drink now. 90pts
Kokako Farms ‘Rangiwai’ Chardonnay 2024
