2025 Craggy Range Kidnappers Chardonnay, Hawkes Bay

Craggy Range Kidnappers Chardonnay is a striking expression of Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay, shaped by coastal influence, ancient soils and a clear focus on site. The Kidnappers vineyard sits close to Cape Kidnappers, where limestone and clay soils meet cooling sea breezes, giving the wine both power and precision. This is Chardonnay with a sense of drama, but always held in check by freshness and line.

Craggy Range is one of New Zealand’s great modern estates, founded by the Peabody family with a philosophy built around single vineyard expression. Kidnappers is one of their most distinctive sites, planted specifically to suit Chardonnay and known for producing wines of structure, mineral drive and longevity. Winemaking here is confident but restrained, with fermentation and maturation designed to build texture while allowing the vineyard to speak.

In the glass, Kidnappers Chardonnay shows depth and clarity. Ripe peach, nectarine and citrus are layered with subtle notes of cashew, oatmeal and flint. There is a savoury, saline edge that reflects the vineyard’s proximity to the sea. The palate is powerful yet composed, with a creamy mid palate balanced by bright acidity and a long, chalky finish that lingers well after the glass is empty.

This is a Chardonnay that rewards attention at the table. Roast chicken, grilled fish, shellfish, pork or dishes with gentle richness all bring out its layered complexity. While impressive in its youth, it truly shines with a few years in the cellar, gaining savoury depth and polish over time.

Craggy Range Kidnappers Chardonnay is a benchmark Hawke’s Bay wine, combining coastal influence, limestone character and thoughtful winemaking into a Chardonnay of real presence and finesse.