2022 Carrick Bannockburn Chardonnay, Central Otago

Barrel-fermented and oak-matured chardonnay with grapefruit, green apple, buttered toast, lemon curd and hedgerow adding extra complexity. Tangy, high-energy wine that should mellow with bottle age. 26 Jan 2024 Drink 2024–

92 points Bob Campbell MW therealreview.com

Carrick Bannockburn Chardonnay is one of Central Otago’s finest examples of cool-climate winemaking, grown in the schist-rich soils of Bannockburn on the southern shores of Lake Dunstan. Carrick is fully certified organic, and the estate has become known not just for its thoughtful farming practices, but for wines that are unhurried, expressive, and deeply rooted in place. Winemaker Gwen Harvie brings a gentle but confident touch in the cellar, allowing site and season to guide the wine’s development.

The Chardonnay is sourced from estate vines that benefit from long daylight hours and chilly nights. These diurnal swings slow ripening and build flavour while preserving acidity. Grapes are hand harvested and whole-bunch pressed to retain delicacy, then wild fermented in French oak barrels (around 20 to 25 percent new) for added texture and complexity. Lees stirring adds mouthfeel, while partial or no malolactic fermentation helps retain the wine’s natural tension.

On the nose, it opens with lifted notes of lemon pith, white grapefruit, stone fruit and struck match. Beneath the citrus core lie layers of almond skin, flint and toasted cashew, hints of fennel and a whisper of vanilla from the oak. The palate is tightly wound, with a creamy midsection and vibrant acidity guiding a finish of crushed rock, subtle spice and zesty minerality.

This is a Chardonnay built for both immediate pleasure and cellaring, with the capacity to evolve beautifully over 5 to 8 years. It pairs wonderfully with seared scallops, salmon with beurre blanc, or even roast chicken with preserved lemon.