The 2024 Blank Canvas Tano Chardonnay is a remarkable single-vineyard Chardonnay from the wild coastal subregion of Blind River in Marlborough’s Awatere Valley. Crafted by Matt Thomson and Sophie Parker-Thomson MW, the wine comes from a tiny parcel of Clone 95 Chardonnay at Anandale Farm, a cool, exposed vineyard site that delivers exceptional natural acidity and precision. Fermented and matured in a bespoke large-format French oak vessel, Tano represents a more focused, mineral and site-driven expression of Marlborough Chardonnay.
The nose reveals grapefruit, lemon citrus and white peach layered with hazelnut, white flowers and subtle savoury complexity. The palate is taut and beautifully structured, combining vibrant acidity with saline minerality, creamy texture and remarkable persistence. James Suckling awarded the wine 97 points, while Decanter and Bob Campbell MW both scored it 96 points, praising its purity, tension and outstanding balance.
Ben’s Recommendation:
A world-class New Zealand Chardonnay that beautifully balances power, precision and coastal freshness. Complex, mineral and incredibly refined, it pairs superbly with lobster, scallops, roast chicken, turbot and creamy seafood dishes. While already captivating, this is a wine with serious cellaring potential and should evolve gracefully through 2035 and beyond.
