Esk Valley Artisanal 2021 Chardonnay is a blend of contrasting Hawkes Bay vineyard sites. Fruit from parcels of old clone 95 vines in Bay View and old Mendoza vines from the Gimblett Gravels provide a wonderful combination of richness and texture. Natural yeast, fermented in French barriques, 10% new, aged nine months on lees with occasional stirring. And all that for a very modest price, oh and did we say it scored 94+ in the Fine Wine Annual Chardonnay tasting!!!!! There is an immense amount of goodness in each bottle at the price. Gordon Russell is a winemaker with abundant vision and skill... you could never tire of this Chardonnay.
