Dry River Chardonnay 2023

Dry River Chardonnay is a precise, mineral Martinborough Chardonnay built for the long haul.

The small estate was founded in 1979 and remains one of the benchmark names of the Wairarapa, working with low-cropped vines on the gravelly terraces around Martinborough township. This vintage draws its character from the Craighall vineyard, whose stony ground the winery credits with the wine's focus and saline edge. The 2023 season was a testing one in the region, and the wine is tightly wound and driven by acidity, with a creamy richness and a gentle phenolic grip adding weight. The winery suggests it will keep building complexity for up to 15 years.

In its youth, pour it cool and match it with scallops, snapper or green-lipped mussels, which echo its shelly character. After a few years in bottle it will handle richer dishes such as roast pork or veal. Serve at around 10 to 12 degrees.

*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.