2022 Main Divide Chardonnay, Waipara

Weighty chardonnay with white peach, vanilla, a hint of green apple, sizzled butter, spicy oak and lime zest flavours. A wine that will appeal to those who like big and buttery chardonnay as well as the sleeker, more high energy style. Good value at this price. 15 APR 2023 Drink 2023–2027

92 points Bob Campbell MW therealreview.com

An impressive bouquet with a reductive gun-flinty quality, ripe, fresh and new too with aromas of apples and white peach, citrus peel and spice. Flavours on the palate mirror the bouquet with a satin texture, contrasting acid line and a nutty-biscuity quality. The gun-flint character is persistent adding a quality I enjoy in this example. Well made with best drinking from 2023 through 2027.

92 points Cam Douglas camdouglasms.com

Main Divide is the local name for the mighty range of Southern Alps which form the backbone of Te Wai Pounamu (the South Island of New Zealand). Our aim is to produce wines which reflect the unspoilt freshness, purity, vigour and cool climate of the south, while retaining in each its individual regional and varietal character.

A handful of selected South Island vineyards have been chosen because of their unique situations or terroir and the quality of their grapes. Our intention is to work with the growers of these vineyards throughout the season to obtain quality fruit, all of which is then hand-crafted into wine by the Donaldson Family at their Waipara winery.

Main Divide's philosophy is based on individuality and harmony. We wish to produce distinctive, vibrant wines with lively fruit flavours, which at the same time are integrated and harmonious.