The Hunting Lodge Chardonnay 2025

A modern expression of Hawke's Bay Chardonnay, this wine draws depth from the free-draining soils of the Gimblett Gravels and Crownthorpe, opening with aromas of biscotti, toasted hazelnut, preserved peach and almond essence lifted by a refined flinty edge. The palate is generous yet poised, weaving citrus rind and nectarine with layers of buttercream, vanilla panna cotta, shortbread and savoury cashew and spice. Eleven months in barrel with regular lees stirring builds a creamy texture balanced by fresh acidity, for a complex, elegantly structured wine with impressive length.