2022 Sound of White Single Vineyard Chardonnay, Marlborough

Deep, nutty wood smoke nose with a backdrop of subtle mineral reduction and restrained citrus/stone-fruit. Quite creamy but also currently closed with hints of wood, caramel, chunky reduction and a taut acid frame. Building to a woody, firm finish, this has restraint within the context of classic chardonnay. Mealy with mid-weight but also reined-in with a firm structure and reduction giving an astringency on the finish 17 May 2024 Drink 2025–2031

91 points Stephen Wong MW therealreview.com

Sound of White Single Vineyard Chardonnay from Marlborough is a sophisticated and finely balanced white wine that showcases the elegance and precision of cool-climate Chardonnay. This single-vineyard Chardonnay reflects a deep respect for terroir and meticulous winemaking. The Chardonnay grapes are sourced exclusively from a single vineyard in Marlborough’s Southern Valleys, a sub-region known for its clay-rich soils and cooler climate. These conditions allow the grapes to ripen slowly, developing concentrated flavors while retaining vibrant acidity. The vineyard's unique microclimate, combined with careful viticultural practices, ensures fruit of exceptional quality.

Winemaking involves a minimal intervention approach to preserve the integrity of the vineyard. Hand-harvested grapes are whole-bunch pressed, and fermentation is carried out using wild yeasts in a combination of stainless steel and French oak barrels, including a proportion of new oak. A period of lees aging adds complexity and texture to the wine, while malolactic fermentation is selectively employed to balance richness with freshness.

In the glass, Sound of White Single Vineyard Chardonnay reveals a pale straw color with golden highlights. The nose is beautifully aromatic, offering layers of citrus, white peach, and nectarine, interwoven with subtle notes of toasted almond, vanilla, and flinty minerality. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and elegantly structured, with flavors of ripe stone fruits, lemon curd, and a hint of spice, supported by a bright acidity and a creamy texture. The finish is long, refined, and perfectly balanced.

This Chardonnay is a versatile food companion, pairing seamlessly with dishes such as roasted chicken, pan-seared scallops, or creamy pasta with mushrooms. It also complements soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert. While delicious now, it has the potential to evolve over the next 5-7 years, gaining further complexity with time.