2023 Craggy Range Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay, Hawkes Bay

Craggy Range Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay is a sophisticated and expressive wine from Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. Produced by Craggy Range, a winery celebrated for its dedication to crafting site-specific wines, this Chardonnay highlights the exceptional terroir of the Gimblett Gravels region. Known for its stony soils and warm climate, Gimblett Gravels provides ideal conditions for producing Chardonnays with richness, complexity, and a fine mineral backbone.

The vineyards are planted on free-draining gravel soils left by the ancient Ngaruroro River. These soils, combined with Hawke’s Bay’s sunny days and cool nights, allow for the development of concentrated flavors while retaining natural acidity. This unique environment gives the wine its distinctive balance of opulence and vibrancy.

Craggy Range employs meticulous viticulture and winemaking practices to capture the essence of the vineyard. Grapes are hand-picked and whole-bunch pressed to preserve their delicate aromatics. Fermentation takes place in French oak barrels, including a portion of new oak, using indigenous yeasts. The wine is then aged on lees for 10 months, enhancing texture and complexity while maintaining freshness.

In the glass, Craggy Range Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay presents a bright straw-gold hue. The nose is complex and inviting, with aromas of ripe peach, nectarine, and lemon curd, complemented by subtle notes of toasted almonds, vanilla, and wet stone. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, with a creamy texture and flavors of citrus, stone fruits, and a hint of brioche. The wine’s vibrant acidity and mineral finish provide excellent balance and length.

This Chardonnay pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled seafood, or creamy mushroom risotto. It also complements dishes featuring truffle or rich cheeses like aged Gouda. While approachable now, this wine has the structure and depth to age gracefully over the next 5-8 years.