2021 Dry River Chardonnay

Brand	Dry River
Region	Martinborough
Varietal	Chardonnay
Size	750ml
Alcohol %	14.0%
Vintage	2021
Country	New Zealand
Vegan
Vegetarian

Even hearing the name Dry River and your ears prick up. A name that speaks of history, quality, prestige, and scarcity. If you see it on the shelves then don’t delay, grab as much as the budget will allow because it won’t be there for long. An iconic Martinborough producer that has set the benchmark for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay throughout NZ. In recent years there has been a mission to produce generosity and mouthfeel in their Chardonnay by the introduction of malolactic fermentation and increased time in the barrel and on lees. The wine speaks for itself, and this new direction is simply stunning on every level.

aromas of citrus fruit, lemon custard, biscotti and brioche all bring a complexity while the white flowers and lemon blossom provide freshness. The nose shows minerality, general tidiness and archetypal Chardonnay characters.

On the palate, the wine has a clear progression from the front, across the mid and to the back of the mouth, showing exuberant fruit yet with a little disorder and complexity lurking in the background. The complexity, a result of the long drawn-out wild ferment (8 months) with 12 months on lees giving a creamy, dreamy mouthfeel and texture. All in perfect harmony with the fresh, zesty acidity. Enjoy now or let it develop in your cellar for a further 5-8 years and serve with your favourite roasted white meat.