From the Lawson and Chittick/Pask vineyards in Hawke’s Bay. The label states ‘barrel-fermented in new french oak puncheons then aged for a further 15 weeks on light yeast lees’. At 32 years of age, this wine still has a freshness and bright acid. Colour has deepened to a coppery/straw hue, but not so dark as to be of concern. The perfume is excellent – pineapple, melon, golden apple, apricot and mandarin, with citrus peel and some roasted spices. That acidity is still tart and vibrant, and the palate filled with stonefruit and citrus flavours. A minerality and note of fruit tannin add complexity and depth. Older Chenin Blanc often heads to marmalade and beeswax textures, but this one hasn’t done that – the texture is flinty and firm. The finish is dry, long and complex. 92pts
Readers might be interested to see that I took the 2022 model for a test drive here > www.winefolio.co.nz/?p=6349
