Moko Hills Kakano Chardonnay 2025

A textural, acid driven beauty!

Vintage

A challenging start followed by a long, dry and steady ripening season. A severe frost on 3 November reduced yields across parts of Central Otago, even in the relatively frost free upper glacial terraces of Bendigo.

The remainder of the season was remarkably dry, with moderate temperatures and relatively few extremes. Warm days and cool nights maintained

acidity while allowing fruit to ripen slowly and evenly. Low disease pressure and generally healthy fruit allowed growers to take their time at harvest.

Yields were significantly reduced overall, with Central Otago producing approximately 24% below 2024. Moko Hills had a smaller than average vintage with excellent fruit quality, small berries, and great concentration.

Wine Making

The fruit contained a mix of four Chardonnay clones – UCD15, 548, 809 and B95. Whole bunch pressed and full solids to a mixture of French oak and stainless steel barrels. Fermented with natural yeast. 12 months in barrel, and allowed to undergo malolactic fermentation naturally in spring, before being racked to tank and allowed to integrate.

Harvested: 4th April 2025

Bottled: 16th April 2026

pH: 3.38

TA: 5.76g/L 

Alcohol: 13.3% v/v

Bottled unfined and unfiltered.