Novum Chardonnay 2023 from Marlborough is a seriously refined, stone‑fruited chardonnay that combines ripe white peach and citrus with flinty, smoky complexity and beautifully judged oak. Aromas of lemon oil, grapefruit sorbet, peach, dried honey and almond milk creaminess are laced with firework‑flint, hazelnut and subtle spice. The palate is medium‑bodied, concentrated and long, with peach, citrus zest, oatmeal, nougat and a chiselled, lime‑sherbet acidity driving through a lingering, savoury, baked‑meringue finish.

Fruit comes from a single Mendoza‑clone vineyard on the central Wairau Plains, hand‑picked, whole‑bunch pressed and wild‑fermented in French oak (about 10–20% new), with full malo and 13 months on lees, stirred only at full moon for extra texture without heaviness. It’s already drinking beautifully but clearly built to age several years, and has been rewarded with around 96 points from leading critics who highlight its precision, energy and modern white‑Burgundy vibe.

On the table, Novum Chardonnay 2023 is perfect with roast chicken, rich fish like salmon or tuna, pork with crackling, scallops, creamy seafood dishes, truffle‑mushroom risotto and nutty vegetarian plates. Semi‑hard cheeses and roast veg will also suit its creamy, flinty, citrus‑driven style.