Grape

Chardonnay

Its Origins

Giesen Wines are a long established label on the New Zealand scene. But as the family have gained expertise and expanded into personal projects - such as Marcel Giesen’s little known but lauded boutique Waipara estate, Bell Hill - the Giesen label too has shifted to capture their deep expertise in terroir and technique by adding new high-investment, single vineyard offerings such as those from the "revered" Clayvin vineyard, made famous by Fromm wines. The three German brother’s Alex, Theo and Marcel came to New Zealand to establish their first Riesling vineyards in Canterbury. In a then-small market, the Geisen brand grew with the times to take a position as one of New Zealand’s leading producers, and still enjoys a significant local and international distribution for various levels of high quality wine in many varieties and styles. Their new mid and upper level offerings are gaining significant recognition: wines like the Clayvin Pinot Noir is not only from great terroir but beautifully styled, placing it second to none among New Zealand’s premium examples of the grape.

What The Critics Say

96/100 Cameron Douglas

"This is stunning; it's gloriously expressed on the nose showing rock melon, peach, vanilla, hazelnut and flinty characters, followed by a sumptuous palate that's firmly structured and exquisitely poised. It's opulent yet elegant, rich yet restrained with a superbly long lingering finish. At its best: now to 2029. $50.00. www.giesen.co.nz. March 2020." Drink 2020 - 2029

95/100 Bob Campbell MW

"Impressively pure, almost luscious chardonnay from the famous hillside Clayvin vineyard. Ripe tree fruit, peach and nectarine flavours with ginger, hazelnut and spicy oak. Surprisingly accessible wine that promises to develop well with bottle age. 26 JUN 2018." Drink 2018 - 2024

95+/100 Cameron Douglas MS

"Smoky, toasty, cashew nut and baked yellow stone fruit, baking spices and complexity from some bottle-age and excellent pure fruit source. On the palate - silky almost creamy in texture, flavours of white fleshed fruits and citrus, red apple and baking spices with a light toasty wood layer. Medium acidity, call it full-bodied with a focused and lengthy complex finish. Well made and ready to enjoy from today and through 2024++."