Red Hut Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2024

The Hawkes Bay region in the North Island of New Zealand has proved to be an excellent source of quality Chardonnay. This example is specifically from the sub-district of Roy’s Hill. The grapes were whole bunch pressed into French oak barriques, 35% of which were new. Maturation continued in the barrel for eleven months with regular lees stirring. Straw/yellow in colour, the nose reveals tropical notes with stone fruits, cashews, gunflint, spices, dried herbs, peaches and a flick of grapefruit. This is finely crafted and well-structured, with a line of zesty acidity and serious persistence. Enjoy this any time over the next five to six years.