2020 Millton Opou Vineyard Chardonnay

93 Points Richard Caro
In stock
A harmonious and satisfying, organic Chardonnay from Gisborne. This is an icon wine from the world-leading biodynamic winemaker, James Millton. The slightly sappy, creamy richness of the Gisborne Chardie is here but with a gentleness and slightly lighter body, brining a nice sense of flow and delicate layering. It "has a good heart", as Raymond Chan once put it, and should more than satisfy any Chardonnay or organic wine lover.
$37.99 in mixed 6+ or $42.99 per bottle

Grape

Chardonnay

Its Origins

The first biodynamic estate in New Zealand (and the first in the Southern Hemisphere to gain Demeter certification), James and Annie Millton have been growing wine in Manutuke on the banks of the Te Arai river in Gisborne since 1984. Farmed from inception in this manner, it was built on the backbone of family winegrowing in the area, with both James and Annie's parents having vines in what is now known as "Opou" and "Riverpoint". The Clos de Ste. Anne is a single vineyard situated on steep north-facing slopes in the foothills of Poverty Bay. The grapes are all hand harvested and fermented with indigenous yeasts present in the vineyard. The estate is mostly known for their Chenin Blanc - a benchmark for the country - but they also grow wonderful Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Viognier, Gewurztraminer and Riesling.

What The Critics Say

Winemaker notes

"There is an immediate eye appeal which is shining and the floral aromas of orange and white blossom together with honeyed notes and nutty acorns which lead into a clean fresh yet soft complexity. It smells like yellow and tastes like the words from AA Milne. With time in the glass, the taste progresses towards a long and rounded mouth texture clipped with cleansing acidity and framed by silken tannins. It is soft and appealing and the mouth flavors have not been altered with any additional fining from animal products so it is an honest expression from our place to your face. Enjoy."

93/100 Cameron Douglas MS (2018 vintage)

"Cashew nut and white peach, red apple and baked lemon, vanilla, flowers and custard. A delightful, opulent and alluring bouquet. On the palate - dry with a silky cream textured entree, flavours of white and yellow orchard fruits, apple and grapefruit peel. wood spice and floral moments, medium+ acidity and lengthy finish. Perfectly balanced, lengthy and well made. What’s not to like!"

Variety Chardonnay
Region Gisborne
Closure Cap
Volume 750ml
Maturity 2022 - 2026

This Wine Goes Well With

with CANAPES
with CHICKEN
with SHELLFISH

Taste

3

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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.

Biodynamic