Elephant Hill Sea Chardonnay 2021

Winemaking
The Sea Chardonnay is part of Elephant Hill’s premium terroir series, showcasing fruit from their coastal Te Awanga vineyard in Hawke’s Bay. The 2021 vintage was hand-picked and whole-bunch pressed, with fermentation taking place in French oak barriques (35% new). The wine was aged on lees for 11 months with bâtonnage, building texture and complexity. Full malolactic fermentation adds creaminess, while the coastal site contributes natural salinity and tension.

Bouquet
The nose is refined and fresh, with aromas of lemon zest, white peach and sea breeze. Notes of wet stone, hazelnut and fine oak spice add elegance and depth, hinting at the wine’s coastal origins.

Palate
Bright and layered, the palate opens with citrus, nectarine and a savoury mineral thread. A creamy mid-palate flows into a long, focused finish with hints of toasted almond and flint. Elegant, saline and beautifully structured, this is a Chardonnay of subtle power and coastal finesse.

Food Pairing
Pair with oysters, grilled fish in lemon butter, or creamy seafood chowder. Also excellent with roast chicken, goats’ cheese tart, or fresh linguine with shellfish and herbs.

Cellaring
Drinking well now but will continue to evolve through 2032. Cellaring will bring added savoury complexity and seamless oak integration.

Interesting Fact
Elephant Hill’s Te Awanga vineyard lies just 500 metres from the Pacific Ocean. The “Sea” label captures the influence of maritime breezes and salt-rich air—adding a distinct coastal signature to this elegant Chardonnay.

95 Bob Campbell MW
95 Cameron Douglas MS
96 Sam Kim
97 Candice Chow
18.5/20 Joelle Thompson