A new Chenin from Esk Valley – it’s been seven years since the last one in 2013! From a new site – the Two Terraces vineyard we’ve featured elsewhere on WineFolio.co.nz. Two clones: 880 with large bunches, and Clone 220 – brought to the winery ripe and botrytis-free. It feels luxurious straight off – perfumed with mandarin peel, fresh hay, cashews, and lime blossom. Rich and layered. More stonefruit in the palate – white peach, quince, nashi pear and grilled pineapple.
Generous and complex – a gentle honeyed sweetness is balanced exquisitely by a vibrant acidity. A lees-influenced texture is luscious and enveloping, yet there’s a purity to this despite the complexity; a harmony and tension – but with weight and depth. A classic Winemakers reserve – only 240 cases of this; get one to put away to develop, and one to enjoy today. 93pts
