2020 On Giants Shoulders Martinborough Chardonnay

94 Points Bob Campbell MW
In stock
A boutique Chardonnay from a famous vineyard in Martinborough. The McCreanor vineyard was planted back in 1988, but these mature vines are better known as the source of Escarpment's former "Pahi" premium label. Now rediscovered by new owners with international experience and a hands-on commitment to this single site, the On Giant's Shoulders label carries not only the vineyard's sheer pedigree but an also displays an unusually deft winemaking touch. With nice weight and balance, this is a serious entrant to the Martinborough scene.
$32.99 in mixed 6+ or $36.99 per bottle

Grape

Chardonnay

Its Origins

"Standing on the shoulders of giants’ is a phrase meaning building on the previous major and significant works of others who have been recognised for their efforts. ‘On Giant’s Shoulders’ is the label for Braden and Gabrielle Crosby’s wine venture, Braden with viticultural and winemaking experience, formerly working with Paddy Borthwick in Gladstone for 11 harvests and extensive work overseas. During his time in Alsace, he learned much about the making of Pinot Gris. The Crosby’s purchased the former McCreanor family vineyard on Princess Street in Martinborough in August 2015, in time to prune the vines and make wine from the 2016 vintage. The vineyard is well-known for supplying the fruit for the Escarpment ‘Pahi’ single vineyard Pinot Noirs and for its contribution to the Martinborough Vineyard wines. The 4 ha vineyard is a mature one, established in 1988, with 3 ha of Pinot Noir, with around 9,000 close-planted vines, which has undergone some replanting. There is also 0.5 ha of Pinot Gris, of which around half was planted in 1988, and 0.5 ha of Chardonnay. The Crosbys have spent their ownership time working on the property and vines. They have produced on average around 1,000 cases from the 2016 and 2017 harvests with the three varieties." — Raymond Chan

What The Critics Say

94/100 Bob Campbell MW

"Supple, elegant chardonnay with grapefruit, nectarine, hazelnut, ginger and spicy oak flavours together with a suggestion of mineral and oyster-shell. A hint of alcohol sweetness is perfectly balanced by mouth-cleansing acidity. 19 APR 2022." Drink 2022 - 2027

18.5-/20 Raymond Chan (2016 vintage)

"The nose has rich, ripe aromas of yellow stonefruits and citrus fruit with tropical fruit notes, harmoniously melded with creamy barrel-ferment and nutty oak elements, along with a little lemon-curd MLF. The nose possesses depth and a soft density. Medium-bodied, the palate has good intensity and concentration of ripe yellow stonefruit and citrus fruit flavours entwined with creamy barrel-ferment and nutty oak notes. The palate is fine-textured and smooth-flowing with fresh acidity and some underlying power providing good linearity. Some lemon-curd MLF emerges as the wine carries to a dry, light-textured finish. Match with roast pork over the next 4-5 years."

Variety Chardonnay
Region Martinborough
Closure Cap
Volume 750ml
Maturity 2022 - 2027

This Wine Goes Well With

with CHICKEN
with PORK
with POULTRY

Taste

3

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