Zaria Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2024

Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
94/100 – Sam Kim, Wine Orbit | 92/100 – Cameron Douglas MS

Crafted by Bryce Edmonds, this small-production Chardonnay is grown on free-draining soils in Hawke’s Bay and treated with minimal intervention to reflect its pristine origin. Whole-bunch pressed, wild fermented, and aged in seasoned French oak barrels, the wine sees extended lees contact, building texture without overwhelming the fruit.

Bouquet
Aromas of lemon curd, white peach and crushed almond are lifted by flinty minerality and a whisper of oak spice.

Palate
Crisp citrus and stone fruit lead the way, underpinned by creamy lees texture and subtle oak complexity. There's a quiet power here—vibrant, focused and clean, with a saline edge and long, mineral finish.

Food Pairing
Superb with seared scallops, chicken with lemon thyme, or grilled asparagus with hollandaise. Also a brilliant match for creamy risotto or nutty hard cheeses.

Cellaring
Drinking beautifully now but will gain richness and complexity through to 2029.

Interesting Fact
Zaria is the creation of Hawke’s Bay winemaker Bryce Edmonds, who produces just a handful of wines each vintage, focusing on purity and expression. The name ‘Zaria’ is inspired by the Slavic goddess of beauty and dawn—apt for such an elegant, luminous Chardonnay.

750ml 14% alc