Elephant Hill Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2020

Elephant Hill Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2020Elegant oak Nectarine Popcorn Bright acidity "Beautifully composed and complex, the wine shows nectarine, nougat, cedar and popcorn characters with a hint of flinty overtone. It's wonderfully ripe and concentrated on the palate offering gorgeously layered mouthfeel backed by bright acidity, finishing superbly long and delectable. At its best: now to 2028" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, May 2022 "Bright, even, pale yellow with a green sheen. This has vibrant

• Elegant oak
• Nectarine
• Popcorn
• Bright acidity

"Beautifully composed and complex, the wine shows nectarine, nougat, cedar and popcorn characters with a hint of flinty overtone. It's wonderfully ripe and concentrated on the palate offering gorgeously layered mouthfeel backed by bright acidity, finishing superbly long and delectable. At its best: now to 2028" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, May 2022

"Bright, even, pale yellow with a green sheen. This has vibrant energy on the nose, intense aromas of lemon sherbet, peach and its blossom interweave elegant oak layer and spice. Medium-full bodied, lemon, lemon peels entwined with peach, followed by floral, almond paste and delicate spice. Spice warmed the back palate, unfolding a creamy element with broadness. Lacy acidity enlivens and carries the flavours to a long, satisfying finish. This is a plump Chardonnay with well-balanced fruit, elegant oak layers and creamy details. Match with crispy-skinned snapper and pork chop over the next 5 years" Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Wine Reviews, May 2022

"A bouquet filled with power and intesnity, presence and personality. Aromas and flavours of white fleshed fruits and some wood smoke, a mineral savoury quality with a ligt saline edge. I love the layer of spice from the oak weaving through flavours of apple and peach with a citrus undertone. Fine tannins and plenty of acidity with a whisper of gun-flint and vanilla pod. Delicious, fresh and ready to drink from day of purchase and through 2028" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier, Jun 2022

"From Elephant Hill's coastal Te Awanga vineyard. Smooth-textured wine with white peach, ripe apple and lemon curd flavours supported by gentle acidity. Well made wine from a very favourable vintage" Bob Campbell, Master of Wine, Real Review, May 2022

"Highly refined, the 2020 vintage (5*) is the best yet. Estate-grown and hand-picked at Te Awanga, it was fermented and lees-aged for over a year in French oak casks (20 per cent new). Bright, light yellow/green, it has a fragrant, complex bouquet. Mouthfilling, it has rich stonefruit flavours, finely integrated oak, mealy notes and a rich, very harmonious finish. Already delicious, it should be at its best 2023+" Michael Cooper

Established in 2003, Elephant Hill is located within a stone’s throw of the Pacific Ocean on the idyllic Te Awanga coast of Hawke’s Bay on New Zealand’s North Island.

Simply the perfect, once in a lifetime, vintage! We couldn’t have wished for a better summer and autumn weather with warm and dry conditions throughout. The growing season was not hot, so allowing us to harvest grapes with good natural acidity and freshness, moderate alcohol and good flavour. All varieties have produced wines that show elegance and balance.

Handpicked Chardonnay from a single coastal vineyard, naturally fermented with wild yeasts. Matured on fine lees for 14 months with regular stirring to add texture and complexity to the wine. 20% new oak and remainder with older seasoned oak and tank.