Corofin Brawn Vineyard Chardonnay 2023

Corofin Brawn Vineyard Chardonnay is a textural, coastal Marlborough Chardonnay from rare old Mendoza vines.

Three kilometres from the ocean, in the lee of the Wither Hills and southeast of the Wairau Valley floor, this is the most maritime site Mike Paterson works with. The soil is Kaiapoi silt loam over pea gravel, and the vines are an old Mendoza clone largely replanted to Sauvignon Blanc across the region decades ago; their thick skins deliver the extract and spice. Paterson and grower Ben Glover both identify a saline, umami character peculiar to the block. Hand harvest came two weeks after Wrekin, with a very slow press to draw out the fruit intensity, and two winters on lees followed.

The more textural and exuberant of the two single-vineyard Chardonnays: spice on the nose, then yellow fruit, wild fennel and blossom leaning into a chiselled finish. Time on lees has brought composure. Serve at 12 degrees with grilled crayfish, roast pork, or a rich fish pie.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.