Man O' War Valhalla Chardonnay 2022

Winemaking
Man O’ War’s Valhalla is a flagship Chardonnay sourced from steep, coastal vineyards on Waiheke Island. The 2022 vintage was hand-picked and whole-bunch pressed, then wild-fermented in a mix of 500L and 225L French oak barrels (around 30% new). Full malolactic fermentation and 11 months on lees with bâtonnage give the wine its signature texture, richness and smoky complexity. The coastal influence brings freshness and energy, balancing its opulence.

Bouquet
The nose is intense and layered—grilled peach, charred citrus peel and crème brûlée mingle with struck match, roasted nuts and savoury flint. There’s a smoky, sea-spray edge that’s unmistakably Waiheke.

Palate
Inviting and bold, the palate opens with ripe stone fruit, grilled pineapple and lemon curd. Creamy oak and toasty brioche notes bring depth, while a fine seam of acidity lifts and energises. Generous, textural and expressive, with a long finish that lingers on flint, nutmeg and salted almond. A compelling and charismatic Chardonnay.

Food Pairing
Ideal with smoked fish pie, truffled chicken, or roast pork with apple and fennel. Also excellent with crayfish, miso-glazed eggplant, or a soft-ripened brie. Best served lightly chilled and allowed to open in the glass.

Cellaring
Drink now for its bold energy, or cellar through 2032 to see it evolve into a richer, more savoury expression with added depth and finesse.

Interesting Fact
Valhalla is named after the mythic Norse hall of the gods—a fitting name for a wine that aims to be powerful, opulent, and worthy of legend. It’s considered one of the boldest Chardonnay expressions in New Zealand.

Size: 750mL
ABV: 14.7%