2022 Blank Canvas Reed Chardonnay, Marlborough

Weighty, mouth-filling chardonnay with grapefruit, saline/oyster shell, lime zest, nutty yeast lees and a suggestion of sizzled butter. Great without the complication of food but even better with my hot-smoked salmon. 27 SEP 2023 Drink 2023–2028

95 points Bob Campbell MW therealreview.com 1 of 47 2022 Chardonnay from Marlborough

Blank Canvas Reed Chardonnay is a striking, site driven Marlborough Chardonnay that shows just how compelling the region can be when restraint and detail lead the way. The Reed Vineyard sits in the Southern Valleys of Marlborough, an area known for clay rich soils, cooler nights and a longer growing season than the Wairau Plains. These conditions naturally favour Chardonnay with texture, savoury depth and line rather than simple fruit sweetness.

Blank Canvas is the personal project of winemaking duo Matt Thomson and Sophie Parker Thomson, two of New Zealand’s most respected wine minds. Their philosophy centres on site expression, minimal intervention and letting vineyards speak clearly. Reed Chardonnay is treated as a serious, cellar worthy wine. Wild fermentation, careful use of French oak and extended lees contact are all employed, but always with balance in mind rather than overt richness.

In the glass, the wine is layered and refined. White peach, nectarine and citrus sit alongside subtle notes of struck match, oatmeal and cashew. There is a distinct mineral and savoury edge, with a faint saline character that reflects the clay soils of the Southern Valleys.

On the palate, Blank Canvas Reed Chardonnay is powerful yet controlled. Stone fruit and citrus flavours are wrapped in a finely textured, mouth filling palate, driven by bright, integrated acidity that gives length and energy. Oak is beautifully judged, adding complexity and structure without overwhelming the fruit. The finish is long, savoury and persistent, lingering with citrus peel, nutty notes and a chalky mineral grip.

This is a Chardonnay made for the table and the cellar. It pairs beautifully with roast poultry, grilled seafood, richer fish dishes or refined creamy sauces. Drinking impressively now with time in the glass, it will reward cellaring over eight to twelve years, developing further savoury, nutty and honeyed complexity.

Blank Canvas Reed Chardonnay is confident, precise and deeply expressive of place. A benchmark Marlborough Chardonnay that showcases texture, restraint and serious intent, proving just how exciting the region can be beyond Sauvignon Blanc.