We are extremely excited to have officially launched our first Blank Canvas Chardonnay. From the 2016 vintage, and like all Blank Canvas wines from a single vineyard, this Chardonnay is textural and savoury.

In a break from tradition we decided not to lees stir our Chardonnay, but we couldn’t prevent it being seriously shaken by the 14 November earthquake that struck the region while it rested in the winery. There were vinous casualties but thankfully our Chardonnay survived – thus it is genuinely 'shaken not stirred'. Whole bunch pressed, full solids taken, 100% wild fermentation in French oak puncheons (40% new), with 10 months’ maturation; it is very much minimalist winemaking. We were able to guide this wine to bottle without any fining or filtration.

Bob Campbell MW reviewed it this month and awarded it 95 points and #1 Marlborough Chardonnay from 2016.

“Intense, flavoursome chardonnay with citrus, peach, tree fruit, brioche and spicy oak flavours together with a suggestion of struck flint mineral character. Quite a rich, textural wine with a lengthy finish.” 95 Points / 5 Stars. #1 of 18 Marlborough Chardonnay 2016 Bob Campbell, MW