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Moko Hills

Moko Hills Chardonnay 2023

Moko Hills Chardonnay 2023

$59.00 NZD
$59.00 NZD
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The barrel-fermented Chardonnay possesses a textural, mineral-laden mouthfeel and tension, elevating the ripe fruit and delicate floral details and lending a lengthy, captivating finish.
Candice Chow 96 Points

A bouquet and palate of fresh citrus and stone fruits, nut and some spice qualities. The nut and spice layers reflect the use of wood then lees leading to a gently rounded texture and flavours more aligned with orange and ripe lemon,  then apple and kitchen spices. Well made, dry and ready with medium+ acidity and length. A taut youthful beginning with a mix of the familiar nut and stone fruit spice qualities then mineral and site.
Cameron Douglas MS 93 Points - Excellent.

Very slight CO2 on palate but this disappears quickly. An intriguing wine, with plenty of concentrated fruit, leaning towards more tropical than citrus. But it isn't just a fruit-focussed wine as there is an interesting cedar, wood-smoke and button mushroom note too. Engaging textural chalky mouthfeel and good length. 
Jane Skilton MW, Inside Burgundy MW 93 Points

Vintage

The 2023 vintage was a rare continuation of a 3-year long La Nina cycle  - a warm and very dry season with little wind. This was followed by a long protracted dry spell, with plenty of warmth - a warmer than average season.

As a result of the low soil moisture levels, vines set with very small berries on compact bunches bringing great wine concentration and tannin structure.

The weather began to cool post-veraison, and the season finished off with a cool steady ripening period.

Wine Making

The fruit contained an even mix of three Chardonnay clones – UCD15, 548 and B95. Whole bunch pressed and full solids to 100% French oak. 10% new in large format 400L puncheons. Fermented with natural yeast. Lees stirring was employed on occasion to promote finishing to dry. 12 months in barrel, and allowed to undergo malolactic fermentation naturally in spring, before being racked to tank and allowed to integrate.

Hand Harvested: 4th April 2023

Bottled on the 14th April 2024 unfined and unfiltered.  

pH: 3.35

TA: 6.2g/L

Alcohol: 13.5% v/v 

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The Label

Kowhai – Chardonnay

Each wine has a unique art piece, representing a group of species that embody the encapsulated characteristics of the wine. A homage to these species and a promise of protection.

The Chardonnay label is adorned with the native South Island kōwhai (Sophora microphylla). One of eight kōwhai species in New Zealand.

The kōwhai is accompanied by both the European Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) and it’s native counter parts, two Leioproctus Bees. Both these species are integral in pollinating not only the kōwhai, but a range of plant species found at Moko Hills.

Kōwhai is the Māori word for yellow and the name of the Chardonnay block at Moko Hills. Pockets of mature kōwhai overlook the chardonnay block, adorning the hills with a golden yellow come spring. This block is the highest in altitude at Moko Hills at 350 – 370m above sea level, sitting in a natural amphitheatre trapping the afternoon heat. This heat, accompanied with the clay soils, brings richness and depth to the wine while the altitude creates elegance and tension.

Artwork created by the talented Rachel Walker | Walkerillo

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