2023 Corofin Wrekin Vineyard Chardonnay, Marlborough

Corofin Wrekin Vineyard Chardonnay from Marlborough is a quietly brilliant and deeply serious Chardonnay that reflects both an exceptional site and the thoughtful, restrained hand of winemaker Mike Paterson. Corofin is Paterson’s personal project, born from years of experience at Kumeu River, and the wines are made in tiny quantities with an unwavering focus on site expression. The Wrekin Vineyard lies in the Southern Valleys of Marlborough, planted on old, low yielding Mendoza clone vines rooted in clay rich soils that naturally deliver power, texture and mineral drive. Farming is meticulous, yields are low, and the winemaking is deliberately classical: hand harvesting, whole bunch pressing, wild fermentation and maturation in French oak, largely older, to allow the vineyard to speak clearly.

The aromatics are tightly coiled and complex. White peach, lemon curd and ripe nectarine sit alongside citrus blossom and pear skin. There is an underlying savoury character from the outset: struck flint, wet stone, almond meal and subtle hazelnut reflecting both the clay soils and extended time on lees. With air, notes of brioche, oatmeal and a faint saline edge emerge, giving the wine depth without excess richness.

The palate is powerful yet beautifully disciplined. Stone fruit and citrus glide through a creamy but focused mid palate, supported by firm, integrated acidity that gives the wine length and precision. Flavours of peach skin, grapefruit pith, nougat and fine spice build slowly, finishing long with a mineral tension that feels almost tactile. Oak is perfectly judged, contributing shape and savoury nuance rather than sweetness. This is a Chardonnay built for patience. While compelling now with decanting, it will evolve magnificently over ten to fifteen years, developing honeyed notes, toasted nuts and deeper complexity while retaining its core energy.

An outstanding match for roast chicken, butter poached lobster, scallops, grilled fish, mushroom dishes or aged soft cheeses. Corofin Wrekin Vineyard Chardonnay stands among the finest Chardonnays of New Zealand, understated, powerful and utterly confident in its sense of place.