2023 Novum Chardonnay

A beautifully finessed Chardonnay that combines power and freshness with a refined feel.

From a family who have been managing vineyards in Marlborough since the 1970's, after a significant stint at Fromm winery, ending as General Manager, Will Hoare and his wife Rachel decided to venture out on their own to produce wine from the incredible vineyards they had access to. For this wine fruit was sourced from a block in the central Wairau plains of Marlborough planted entirely with the Mendoza clone around the mid 1980’s. Originally a riverbed, this block is naturally warm during the day, as well as at night, thanks to the radiating effect of the exposed greywacke rock lying beneath the vines. The rock radiates heat up into the canopy, making this vineyard an ideal site for ripening Chardonnay.

Brilliant pale straw colour with a watery hue. Showing wonderful aromatic lift, the nose is engulfed with ripe white peach, dried honey and more subtle crème brulee scents which are trailed by some biscuity nougat, cashew and spice notes. The palate features a refined, creamy like textural feel with rich fleshy peach, dried honey and crème brulee flavours filling the mouth. Citrusy nougat, cashew, biscuit and delicate infusions of gun flint lie underneath. Fresh and amply powered it finishes long and beautifully finessed.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14%

Other Reviews…..
Firework flint, lemon oil and yellow peach cheeks. Grapefruit sorbet and cold butter log. Almond milk creaminess with a deft handling of oak on the palate. Cumin, powdered ginger and white pepper. This delivers the charitable dimensions of chardonnay with a breeze of gently rolling acidity and brilliance of a chiselled precious stone. Peach cream and baked meringue on the finish. Drinking beautifully and will age further. Wonderful to see the confidence and precision from a new player. Very exciting. Drink by 2028.
96 points
Shanteh Wale – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion