Cuvar Iris Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2022
92 POINTS: Cam Douglas MS
"Familiar scents and flavours of peaches and cream with a clay and lees touches, some vanilla and wood smoke from a lick of oak. On the palate the wine touches with a satin-cream mouthfeel then acidity and some fine tannins add breadth, texture and length. Fruit flavours are persistent with a citrus peel touch, balanced and well made, ready to drink from day of purchase through 2026."
- Cam Douglas MS
Cuvar's Iris Chardonnay comes from the gracious slopes of their Cuvar Terraces Vineyard in Bayview. First planted by George Fistonich in 1986 (he was yet to become Sir), this vineyard has one of the best views in the bay - looking out to the Pacific Ocean. This environment shapes the sunshine of this wine.
The forthright bouquet introduces bursts of candied tropical fruits intertwined with notes reminiscent of warm fruit crumble. Gentle oak wraps around the palate of balanced acid and ripe fruit. Nothing is too dominant — the fruit, oak, acid and flavours all sing in harmony.
ABV: 12.7%