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2023 Planeta Menfi Chardonnay

Parker's Wine Advocate

In stock

Since its debut 1994 vintage this has been an internationally acclaimed Sicilian white wine at the highest level. Planeta's famous Chardonnay is certified organic from the 2022 vintage and is grown in Menfi, just down the island's south coast from Marsala. Here consistent sun and cooling sea breezes produce a ripe, powerful and generous style. Tropical fruits and textural French oak build on the palate in a charismatic way that is less typically Italian or French, than it is simply delicious. Instead of overt toast or butter, this wine shows all-Sicilian notes of toasted almond and candied fruit. On the palate, these same intense flavours, with mid weight texture paired with fruity fresh acidity and beautiful length. Broad and expressive, decant this beauty now or cellar with confidence.

$64.99 in mixed 6+ or $72.99 per bottle

Overview

Grape

Chardonay

Its Origins

"Diego Planeta, along with Giacomo Rallo of Donnfugata and Lucio Tasca d’Almerita, is one of the three founding fathers of the “Sicilian wine renaissance” sparked 10 to 15 years ago. Cousins Francesca, Santi and Alessio Planeta hold the reigns to the estate today and have developed one of the most innovative and modern wine entities in Italy (they are among the most “liked” wineries on Facebook). The Planeta family boasts a gifted hand in marketing and their hard work has only helped to develop the “Sicily” brand within the many foreign markets they penetrate." Parker's Wine Advocate, Monica Larner

What The Critics Say

94/100 Parker's Wine Advocate, Monica Larner

"The organic Planeta 2023 Sicilia Menfi Chardonnay is a creamy and rich interpretation with sweet almond, apricot and Sicilian candied fruit. The wine delivers beautiful intensity over a thickly layered, full-bodied mouthfeel. Fruit comes from the Ulmo vineyard (positioned at 250 meters above sea level) and Maroccoli (at 415 meters in elevation). The wine is aged in Allier French barrique with 40% new oak, 30% second-use and 30% third-use barrel for 11 months. This is a massive production, and that's an impressive feat." Drink 2024 - 2034

94/100 James Suckling

"Almost Burgundian style to this wine, due to reductive character, with smoky aromas, pink grapefruit and candied cedar. Mellow, full-bodied and opulent with a creamy texture, refreshing acidity and a polished finish."

93/100 Vinous, Eric Guido

"A lovely blend of vanilla beans, mint leaves and peach sorbet introduces the 2023 Chardonnay. The palate is rich and silky smooth, with ripe pit fruit sweeping across, offset by a gentle tinge of savory spice. Hazelnut and an air of custard linger as the 2023 finishes with outstanding length and tension. Gorgeous today, this also possesses the balance for medium-term cellaring." Drink 2025-2032

Stats & Food Matching

Variety	Chardonnay
Region	Sicily
Closure	Cork
Volume	750ml
Maturity	2024 - 2034

This Wine Goes Well With

Taste

Delivery & Returns

We deliver throughout New Zealand and to some locations overseas. Our deliveries are made by trusted third party carriers. For further details on prices and delivery options please go to DELIVERY INFORMATION section of our site.

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.