2024 Te Mata Elston Chardonnay, Hawkes Bay

Medium-full depth of brilliant yellow colour; powerful bouquet of honeycomb, sizzled butter and bread crust, wheat biscuit and cracked yeast, clean as a whistle—no reduction. The palate is bright and rich, medium-full bodied and ample in the mouth, the acidity lifting and carrying the flavour long into an extended aftertaste. A trace of tannin grip helps dry and lengthen the finish. Impressive chardonnay with a bright future. 22 Jan 2026 Drink 2026–2039

96 points Huon Hooke for The Real Review

From one of New Zealand’s most respected estates, Te Mata has been crafting benchmark wines in Hawke’s Bay since 1896, with a long history of precision and site driven winemaking. Elston sits among their top Chardonnay releases, sourced from carefully selected vineyard parcels where warm days and cooling influences allow fruit to ripen fully while holding onto freshness and structure.

The 2024 shows that balance beautifully. Bright straw with a golden hue, the aromatics are layered and refined, ripe peach, nectarine and citrus peel sitting alongside notes of roasted cashew, subtle spice and a gentle flinty edge. There is a sense of depth without excess.

The palate is richly textured yet beautifully controlled, stone fruit and citrus unfolding over a creamy, seamless frame. Lees work brings weight and complexity, while a line of fresh acidity keeps everything focused and lively. Oak is finely integrated, adding a touch of toast and spice, with a long, persistent finish that carries both fruit and savoury detail.

This is a wine that shines with food. Roast chicken, pork with apple, or grilled seafood with a buttery sauce all work beautifully. It also handles dishes with a touch of spice, where its texture and freshness come into play.

Drinking beautifully now, though it will evolve over eight to twelve years, developing more nutty and honeyed complexity.

There is a quiet confidence here, a Chardonnay that balances richness and precision, reflecting both the pedigree of Te Mata and the strength of Hawke’s Bay.