Millton Libiamo Chardonnay 2020 from Millton Vineyard in Gisborne’s historic Opou Vineyard is a wild, skin‑fermented, no‑intervention Chardonnay that behaves more like a refined amber wine than a classic oaked chardy, bursting with character and savoury charm. This 2020 Millton Libiamo Chardonnay spends an incredible 235 days on skins, giving deep colour, texture and grip while still feeling lifted and vibrant.

In the glass you can expect orange peel, preserved lemon, stone fruit and ripe apple characters, layered with dried flowers, gentle nuttiness, ginger‑like spice and a subtle oxidative note wrapped around a firm, talcy tannin structure. The palate is medium‑bodied, chewy and textural rather than creamy, with savoury grip, bright acidity and a long, dry, slightly salty finish that keeps you coming back for another sip. It’s a pure expression of Opou Vineyard chardonnay, fermented on skins and left to do its thing with minimal interference.

Food‑wise, Millton Libiamo Chardonnay 2020 is brilliant with richer, spice‑friendly dishes – think Singaporean curry, katsu or Japanese curry, Middle Eastern mezze, grilled octopus, aged cheeses and robust vegetarian plates built on legumes or roasted root veg. It’s also an inspired match for charcuterie, duck, pork belly and miso‑driven dishes, where its tannin, texture and savoury edge cut through richness and latch onto umami beautifully.