2022 Aurulent Chardonnay
Vintage
Warm from early spring with frosts a rarity. Summer started warm but La Nina produced some February rain which threatened to throw a disease-shaped spanner in the works. However, a return of warm, dry weather before harvest averted disaster and careful handpicking ensured only the top quality grapes were picked.
Vineyards
90% Ohiti Valley and 10% Havelock North
pH 3.55 TA 6.5g/L Alc 13.5%v/v
REVIEWS
Top Wines of 2023 - Master Sommelier– Cameron Douglas
2021 Aurulent Chardonnay
Vintage
2021 was typical of a classic Hawke's Bay summer. Warm sunny days with cool nights produced Chardonnay with a beautiful intensity of fruit and fine acid line definitely worthy of cellaring. As autumn approached the season became cooler yet remained dry providing ideal ripening conditions overall.
Vineyards
70% Ohiti Valley and 20% Havelock North
pH 3.30 TA 7.0g/L Alc 13.5%v/v
REVIEWS
Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay Selection Top 12 – Master Sommelier – Cameron Douglas
5 STARS – Buyers Guide to New Zealand Wines - Michael Cooper
94/100 Bob Campbell – The Real Review – Master of Wine
2020 Aurulent Chardonnay
Vintage
2020 was warm, long and dry with cool nights resulting in wines of real depth, richness, character and excellent cellaring potential.
Vineyards
70% Kokako, Ohiti Valley and 30% Askerne, Havelock North
pH 3.38 TA 6.8g/L Alc 13.5%v/v
REVIEWS
Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay Selection Top 12 – Master Sommelier – Cameron Douglas
4.5 STARS – 2021 Buyers Guide to New Zealand Wines - Michael Cooper
92/100 Bob Campbell – The Real Review – Master of Wine
2019 Aurulent Chardonnay
Vintage
Spring started off wet with the following months finishing warm and dry with cool nights. This resulted in lovely fresh fruit flavours and bright acidity.
Vineyards
70% Kokako, Ohiti Valley and 30% Askerne, Havelock North
pH 3.30 TA 7.0g/L Alc 13.0%v/v
REVIEWS
Wine of the Week – New Zealand Listener - Michael Cooper
Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay Selection Top 12 – Master Sommelier – Cameron Douglas
5 STARS – 2021 Buyers Guide to New Zealand Wines - Michael Cooper
94/100 Wine Anorak - Jamie Goode – UK Wine Writer
17/20 Jancis Robinson -UK Wine Writer – Master of Wine
19/20 Matthew Jukes – UK Wine Writer
94/100 Bob Campbell – The Real Review – Master of Wine
93/100 The Real Review - Huon Hooke – Master of Wine
2018 AURULENT Chardonnay
Vintage
2018 started warm, dry and very hot. Rain in March caused an early pick but as the vintage was ahead the Chardonnay was picked with beautiful bright acidity and lovely citrus, lemon and pineapple notes.
Vineyards
Kokako, Ohiti Valley and Askerne, Havelock North
pH 3.33 TA 7.5g/L Alc 13.0%v/v
Reviews
5 STARS – Buyers Guide to New Zealand Wines - Michael Cooper- Wine Writer
95/100- The Real Review – Wine of the Week – Bob Campbell – Master of Wine
2017 Aurulent Chardonnay
Vintage
2017 season started very well but unsettled weather in March, April and May brought high humidity and heavy rain. These challenging conditions resulted in a moderate vintage with the Chardonnay showing beautiful riper notes with an air of restraint.
Vineyards
Te Awanga and Askerne, Havelock North
pH 3.42 TA 6.5g/l Alc 13%v/v.
Reviews
4.5 STARS – Buyers Guide to New Zealand Wines -Michael Cooper Wine Writer
2016 Aurulent Chardonnay
Vintage
A cool start followed by a typically warm Hawkes Bay summer through to March. Longer hang time for the Chardonnay produced a wine with restraint and elegance, balanced acidity and pure lemon, citrus notes.
Vineyards
Kokako, Ohiti Valley and Askerne, Havelock North
pH 3.24 TA 6.7g/l Alc 13%v/v
Reviews
4.5 STARS – Buyers Guide to New Zealand Wines – Michael Cooper – Wine Writer
2015 Aurulent Chardonnay
Vintage
A cooler vintage resulting in longer hang time resulting in naturally higher acidity levels and a tightly structured, elegant wine.
Vineyards
Kokako, Ohiti Valley and Askerne, Havelock North
pH 3.30 TA 7.0g/l Alc 13.5%v/v
Reviews
4.5 STARS – Buyers Guide to New Zealand Wines - Wine Writer - Michael Cooper
90+/100 – 2017 Robert Parker The Wine Advocate
2014 Aurulent Chardonnay
Vintage
A warm and dry season interrupted by Cyclone Lucy forcing an abrupt pick of the majority of Hawkes Bay Chardonnay resulting in a beautiful tight, restrained and elegant wine.
Vineyards
Kokako, Ohiti Valley and Askerne, Havelock North
pH 3.30 TA 7.0g/l Alc 13.5%v/v
Reviews
4.5 STARS – Buyers Guide to New Zealand Wines - Wine Writer - Michael Cooper
92+/100 – 2017 Robert Parker The Wine Advocate
2013 Aurulent Chardonnay
Vintage
A warm and dry growing season resulting in lower acidity wines with a richness and warmth.
Vineyards
Gimblett Road, Hawkes Bay
pH 3.32 TA 6.9g/l Alc 13.5%v/v
Reviews
5 STARS – Buyers Guide to New Zealand Wines - Wine Writer - Michael Cooper
91/100 – 2017 Robert Parker The Wine Advocate
2012 Aurulent Chardonnay
Vintage
A challenging vintage as Hawkes Bay experienced one of the wettest and coolest summers in years. Attention to detail was required in cropping level and canopy management to ensure optimum ripeness. Low yield ensured a good concentration of flavour and high acid levels produced a wine that will age well.
Vineyards
Gimblett Road, Hawkes Bay
pH 3.24 TA 7.1g/l Alc 13.5%v/v
Reviews
4.5 STARS – 2013 Buyers Guide to New Zealand Wines - Wine Writer - Michael Cooper
90/100 – Robert Parker The Wine Advocate
2011 Aurulent Chardonnay
Vintage
A good start to vintage followed by a disrupted finish with high humidity, rainfall and limited sunshine. Many hours put into the vineyards during the summer ensured the grapes were still of the highest quality.
Vineyards
Bridge Pa, Hawkes Bay
pH 3.22 TA 7.0g/l Alc 13.5%v/v
Reviews
4 STARS – Buyers Guide to New Zealand Wines - Wine Writer - Michael Cooper
91+/100 – 2017 Robert Parker The Wine Advocate
