2023 Dog Point Chardonnay Organic, Marlborough

The Mendoza clone of Chardonnay is a dominant force in the New Zealand wine scene: highly individual, full of flavour and ever ready with a saline, sea spray quality that gets the lips smacking. Dog Point does it better than many, capturing those qualities beautifully. Light gold hues. Flint, struck match, peach, nectarine, melon, citrus and citrus blossom aromas. A full, rich expression with French oak (10% new) playing an influence with its smoky toastiness, nougat nutty notes, and a second malolactic fermentation allowing the textural warmth of the wine to shine. A tightly coiled palate brings stone fruits, citrus, cardamom, bergamot and the kind of grippy tartness you get from sucking on grapefruit pith. All up, it’s one complex young Chardonnay with a long life ahead. Drink by: now-2035

96 points Jeni Port for Wine Pilot

A precise, driven and vibrant chardonnay with aromas of lemons, sweet spices, flint and brioche. Medium-bodied with bright acidity. So focused, with plenty of drive and patina on the palate. Succulent and tactile, with a long, bright finish. Good value. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

95 points jamessuckling.com

Evident smoke and savoury reduction supported by nutty, toasty oak and crisp, tangy cool-climate fruit: green apple, lime and white pepper. The dense, mid-weight flavours are compact and unevolved currently, underpinned by lip-smacking acidity and dusty, cinnamon oak tannins. A suggestion of creamy yoghurt is met by firm phenolics on the finish. It could be approached now but will be better in a year or two 12 Aug 2025 Drink 2026–2036

93 points Stephen Wong MW therealreview.com

From organically farmed vineyards in the Wairau Valley, Dog Point Chardonnay offers a compelling expression of Marlborough’s evolving white wine identity. Founded by Ivan Sutherland and James Healy, pioneers of the region’s early wine story, Dog Point has earned a cult following for wines shaped by wild fermentation, restrained oak and minimal intervention. The estate’s focus on vine age and thoughtful vineyard work results in Chardonnay that combines texture, freshness and mineral complexity.

A pale lemon gold with subtle green reflections shimmers in the glass. Aromas unfold with white nectarine, grapefruit and ripe citrus layered with toasted almond, flint and a delicate smoky reduction. There is an immediate sense of depth and seriousness to the bouquet, quietly layered and refined.

The palate is finely structured and textural, delivering citrus and stone fruit flavours framed by vibrant acidity and a firm mineral backbone. Nuances of brioche, hazelnut and saline freshness build through the mid palate, leading to a long, mouthwatering finish that feels both powerful and precise. This organic Chardonnay will reward patient cellaring over eight to twelve years, developing honeyed richness, savoury complexity and nutty depth.

Butter roasted chicken carved slowly at the table, grilled lobster with lemon and herbs, or a rich mushroom tart shared as conversation drifts into the night. A vinyl spin of The National High Violet or something atmospheric from Bon Iver setting the tone, the wine bringing calm focus and quiet intensity to the evening.