Winemaking The 2022 Clos des Pierres Chardonnay is named after the stony soils of the vineyard in Marlborough’s Southern Valleys. Hand-picked fruit was whole-bunch pressed and fermented with wild yeasts in French oak barriques and puncheons (30% new). The wine underwent full malolactic fermentation and matured on lees for 11 months with gentle bâtonnage, creating depth and mouthfeel while retaining a precise, mineral edge.
Bouquet The nose is refined and vibrant, with notes of lemon zest, white peach and struck flint. Hints of roasted cashew, crushed stone and delicate oak spice build aromatic tension and complexity.
Palate Crisp and textural, the palate reveals layers of citrus, pear and toasted almond with a saline mineral thread running throughout. A fine line of acidity keeps the wine focused and fresh, finishing long with a flinty, savoury lift. It’s both elegant and energetic—a beautifully composed cool-climate Chardonnay.
Food Pairing Perfect with grilled fish, seared scallops or creamy mushroom risotto. Also excellent with lemon roast chicken, goat cheese tart or fresh linguine with herbs.
Cellaring Drinking well now, but will evolve through 2030. Cellaring will enhance its nutty complexity and silky texture.
Interesting Fact “Clos des Pierres” means “enclosure of stones” in French—a tribute to the stony, free-draining soils that define this Chardonnay’s mineral precision and natural tension.