Descritpion

The 2022 Dry River Chardonnay from Martinborough exemplifies the winery’s commitment to crafting elegant, age-worthy wines. Despite a challenging growing season marked by significant rainfall and disease pressure, meticulous vineyard management and stringent fruit selection ensured the production of high-quality grapes .​

Aroma & Palate: This Chardonnay presents a seamless and focused palate, underpinned by a soft acidity enveloped in a creamy, velvety texture. Subtle hints of popcorn and oak are complemented by classic Chardonnay flavors, contributing to its refined profile .​

Structure & Balance: The wine underwent a 12-month fermentation in French oak barrels using wild vineyard yeast, followed by malolactic fermentation with wild bacteria. This process, coupled with an additional five months in airtight tanks, allowed the wine’s structural components and acidity to harmonize, resulting in a balanced and textured wine

Critical Acclaim: Bob Campbell MW awarded this vintage a score of 96/100 and a Top Rank Award, describing it as a “concentrated Chardonnay with purity and power,” highlighting flavors of white peach, nectarine, citrus, spicy oak, and saline/oyster shell, all balanced by tangy acidity