The 2023 Black Estate Bottom Block Chardonnay is a distinctive single-vineyard Chardonnay from the Home Vineyard in Waipara Valley, North Canterbury. Produced from ungrafted Mendoza vines planted in 1994 on calcareous clay soils, it shows white peach, crisp apple and citrus alongside yuzu, fresh herbs, hazelnut and subtle mineral notes.
On the palate, it is concentrated and finely textured, with bright acidity balancing ripe fruit and a persistent saline character. The grapes were hand harvested and whole-bunch pressed before fermentation with vineyard-derived yeast in seasoned 500-litre French oak casks. The wine underwent full malolactic fermentation and spent 12 months on fermentation lees, followed by additional time on fine lees before bottling unfined and unfiltered.
Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, this is an excellent choice for Chardonnay drinkers who enjoy concentrated, textural whites with vibrant acidity, savoury complexity and pronounced mineral freshness. Enjoy now or cellar for further development. Ideal with grilled fish, scallops, roast chicken, pork, creamy mushroom dishes or aged cheeses.
