Esk Valley Estate Chardonnay, gracefully crafted by the winemaking team at Esk Valley in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand’s prestigious Bridge Pa Triangle sub-region. This medium-bodied Chardonnay balances fruit and finesse-bright stonefruit, grapefruit, and grilled nut nuances, layered with subtle butter and hazelnut. The wine is fermented partly in tank and partly in seasoned French oak barriques (around 50%), with a touch of malolactic fermentation and extended lees stirring adding texture and depth. A shining 94 points by Master Sommelier Cameron Douglas affirms its remarkable quality and value. Elegant, textural, and compelling-an immediate delight with reward for cellaring through 2029.