2018 Tony Bish Zen Chardonnay
Grape
Chardonnay
Its Origins
Tony Bish is a legend of New Zealand winemaking who spent decades making such iconic wines as Sacred Hill's Rifleman's Chardonnay. Now he is channeling his Chardonnay expertise into his own labels, which he produces in a stylish urban winery he has set up in Napier. Much of his wine is aimed at delivering classy examples of the the rich and creamy, 'old school' style of Chardonnay. But Tony's incredible touch and experience ensures that each wine is balanced and refined — even with all their big, bold appeal. Meanwhile, Tony's ongoing experimentation in style and technique is producing results such as his deliciously un-oaked "Golden Egg" Chardonnay, and his super premium "Zen" Chardonnay, which is made in an incredible egg-shaped oak vessel.
What The Critics Say
98/100 Raymond Chan wine Reviews, Candice Chow
"The nose is complex and elegantly presented. Nuances of warmed hazelnuts, lemon curd in the centre, interweaved with fresh herbs, sweet chamomile; unveiling spices melded in subtle soft and light caramel and cream. Medium-bodied, lemon curd and spices are on the centre stage, complexing flavours of fresh herbs mingled with hazelnuts, discreet caramel and cream nuances. The palate is bright and structured; the acid is lively with power, leading the flows with great energy to a wet-stone mineral texture line balanced by light cream, leaves a long and sustained finish. This is a sophisticated and elegant Chardonnay, full of charming interests that excite and satisfy. Match with exotic shellfish and white truffle over the next 6+ years. The second release, single-vineyard Skeetfield block, Mendoza clone. Handpicked, fermented in French oak ovum egg and new French oak barriques to 13.5%. Full MLF. 19.5/20pts June 2020." Drink 2022 - 2032
97/100 Wine Orbit, Sam Kim
"Ethereal and engaging, this stunning chardonnay shows white flesh nectarine, rockmelon, lemon pith and nougat characters on the nose with nuances of cedar and spice. It's magnificently concentrated on the palate, exhibiting exceptional depth and focus combined with creamy mouthfeel and perfectly pitched acidity, finishing tremendously long and refined. At its best: 2023 to 2033. www.tonybishwines.co.nz. July 2020." Drink 2023 - 2033
96/100 Bob Campbell MW
"Grapes from Skeetfield vineyard were fermented in a large egg-shaped vessel made of Taransaud French oak and christened Ovum. The result is an impressively seamless and quite concentrated chardonnay with apple, white peach, ginger, and subtle oak flavours. 14 Jun 2020." Drink 2020 - 2025
| Variety | Chardonnay |
|---|---|
| Region | Hawkes Bay |
| Closure | Cap |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Alcohol | 13.50% |
| Maturity | 2020 - 2033 |
This Wine Goes Well With
Taste
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