2021 Smith and Sheth CRU Heretaunga Chardonnay
Grape
Chardonnay
Its Origins
Smith and Sheth ‘CRU’ is the wine brand of Steve Smith MW and Brian Sheth who together have formed Aotearoa New Zealand Fine Wine Estates. This is the return of Steve Smith, who is best known for his establishing of Craggy Range with the Peabody family and his role as chief viticulturist for the Villa Maria Estates group before that. Steve has teamed up with Brian Sheth, one of the founders of Vista Equity Partners, a global technology investment firm. Among other business and interests, Brian is also the chairman of Global Wildlife Conservation. Aotearoa New Zealand Fine Wine originally aimed to have wine from great parcels from exceptional vineyards, but has grown to purchase unique and individual winegrowing operations, starting with Pyramid Valley in North Canterbury and Lowburn Ferry in Central Otago. The company also has a 5 ha vineyard in the Gimblett Gravels in Hawke’s Bay with Chardonnay and Syrah, awaiting its first yield. Michael Henley, formerly of Craggy Range and Trinity Hill is the CEO, and the company works closely with several viticulturalists. Smith and Sheth will launch their first wines under the Smith and Sheth ‘CRU’ label in April this year. The wines are made from the highest quality fruit selected from special sites. Steve personally makes the wines at friends’ winery facilities.
What The Critics Say
95/100 Cameron Douglas MS
"There’s no mistaking the ripeness of fruit and pungency of stones and new barrel are locked into the bouquet. Nectarines and fresh peaches, grapefruit skin and raw sugar scent of oak. Youthful, vibrant and complex. Equally youthful and bright on the palate with a satin-cream touch then contrasting acidity and core fruit flavours that mirror the bouquet. Tannins from wood then fruit along with a decent acid line set the structure then plushness form ripe fruits and weight from the alcohol and complexity fill-out the palate. A delicious example with power and presence, a great drink on its own or with food. Best drinking from late 2023 through 2029."
95/100 or 19/20 Raymond Chan Reviews, Candice Chow
"Bright, even, pale straw-yellow. The nose is voluminous with a lifted bouquet packed with citrus, stonefruit, popcorn, roasted almond and flint. Medium-bodied aromas of lemon sherbet and peach flow with crunchy acidity, unveiling subtle layers of popcorn, roasted almond, flint and delicate spice. The mouthfeel is silky with powdery-textured phenolics, and the crisp acidity cleanses and glides with delicate spice and buttery nuances to a long, fresh closing. This Chardonnay has an appealing bouquet, delicate layers and crisp acidity. Match with grilled prawns with pineapple salsa over the next 7+ years. Fruit from Bridge Pa, Omahu and Mangatahi vineyards, handpicked, whole bunch pressed, barrique fermented to 14% alc, aged on lees. 19/20 pts (95 pts) May 2023 RRP $40." Drink 2023 - 2030+
93/100 Bob Campbell MW
"Purity and power are the key descriptors of this Chablis-style chardonnay with lemon zest, oyster shell, lime, hazelnut and nutty yeast lees flavours. Taut, appealing wine—a great effort from a challenging vintage 04 MAY 2023." Drink 2023 - 2027
| Variety | Chardonnay |
|---|---|
| Region | Hawkes Bay |
| Closure | Cap |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Alcohol | 13.50% |
| Maturity | 2023 - 2030+ |
This Wine Goes Well With
Taste
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If for any reason you are not entirely happy with your order or you suspect that they may be affected by a quality issue, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will remedy the problem straight away. Contact us on 0800 422 767.
