2015 Stonecroft Old Vine Chardonnay, Hawke's Bay

The 2015 Stonecroft Chardonnay is a beautiful expression of Hawke’s Bay, coming from one of New Zealand’s most historic and quietly influential vineyards. Stonecroft sits on the Gimblett Gravels, a famous stretch of free draining greywacke stones laid down by the Ngaruroro River. These warm, stony soils are perfect for Chardonnay, giving wines both richness and a distinctive mineral backbone.

Stonecroft was planted in 1976 by Tom and Glenys McDonald and is often regarded as one of New Zealand’s oldest Chardonnay vineyards. The old vines dig deep into the gravels, producing naturally low yields and fruit with real concentration and character. The style here is about depth and texture balanced by freshness rather than overt oakiness.

In the glass, the 2015 shows ripe peach, nectarine and citrus, layered with toasted hazelnut, brioche and a subtle smoky note from time in oak. The palate is full and generous, yet driven by bright acidity and a long, stony finish that reflects its Gimblett Gravels home. It has richness, but also a sense of tension and energy that keeps it beautifully balanced.

This is a superb wine for the table. Roast chicken, grilled seafood, pork with apple, creamy pasta or rich vegetable dishes all bring out its depth and savoury complexity.

The 2015 Stonecroft Chardonnay is drinking beautifully now, with its secondary notes beginning to emerge, but it still has many years ahead. Expect it to continue evolving over ten to fifteen years, gaining more nutty, honeyed and savoury complexity. It is a classic New Zealand Chardonnay that shows the magic of old vines and great Hawke’s Bay terroir.