Mystery Wairarapa Chardonnay 2022

Description

Grapefruit, Nectarine, Oak

Black Market Mystery Wines™ are simply wines we love, with the branding hidden and revealed only when it arrives at your door!

"Youthful and vibrant bouquet filled with scents of fresh white fleshed fruits and lees complexities, layers breadth and depth from barrel-fermentation and mineral deposits expand the bouquet and stretch out onto the palate. Lovely weight, texture and dryness with fruit and barrel flavours that reflect the bouquet along with vanilla and roasted nut. Best drinking from late 2024 through 2028+" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier, Jan 2024

A classic cool-climate, barrel-fermented Chardonnay showcasing purity, texture, and restraint. Aromas of lemon, grapefruit, and ripe melon are layered with subtle notes of gunsmoke and toasty oak. The palate delivers juicy nectarine fruit, a rich yet balanced mouthfeel, and a long, mineral-driven finish. 

Planted with Mendoza, 15, and 95 clones, the vines sit on an ancient, free-draining river terrace where Chardonnay thrives in the region’s cool, sunny climate. All fruit was hand-harvested to ensure it arrived at the winery in pristine condition.

The 2022 vintage was outstanding, with fruit handpicked in March at optimal ripeness. Grapes were gently pressed directly to barriques and puncheons, with 25% new oak, where fermentation took place. Malolactic fermentation followed in spring, enhancing texture and complexity. The wine spent 11 months resting on full lees in barrel before being carefully assembled and bottled.

Food Pairing: Exceptionally versatile at the table — and while it shines with many dishes, sautéed huhu grubs in garlic butter remain a local favourite.