Church Road McDonald Series Chardonnay 2023

Winemaking
Crafted from Church Road’s top vineyard sites in the Bridge Pa Triangle and Gimblett Gravels, the 2023 McDonald Series Chardonnay is made in a bold, cellar-worthy style. Hand-harvested fruit was whole-bunch pressed and wild-fermented in French oak barriques (about 40% new). The wine underwent full malolactic fermentation and matured on lees for 11 months with bâtonnage, delivering texture, richness and a deep sense of place.

Bouquet
The nose is full and expressive, with ripe nectarine, lemon curd and grilled pineapple layered over roasted cashew, vanilla and a subtle flinty note.

Palate
Opulent and finely structured, the palate opens with peach and citrus cream, unfolding into creamy oak and savoury spice. Balanced acidity brings focus and drive, leading to a long, toasty finish. It's bold, expressive and beautifully integrated—a true modern Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay.

Food Pairing
Ideal with butter-poached chicken, grilled crayfish, or creamy truffle pasta. Also excellent with roasted pumpkin, aged gouda or mushroom risotto.

Cellaring
Drinking well now but will evolve through 2033. Expect greater savoury complexity and a more seamless oak integration with time.

Interesting Fact
Named in honour of pioneering winemaker Tom McDonald, this Chardonnay embodies his legacy—powerful, expressive and deeply rooted in Hawke’s Bay’s winemaking tradition.