Smith & Sheth CRU Waitaki Chardonnay 2023

Mineral, refined & effortlessly elegant, this is Chardonnay that speaks clearly of place.

Grown on ancient limestone soils in New Zealand's remarkable Waitaki Valley, the Smith & Sheth CRU Waitaki Chardonnay 2023 delivers purity, precision and complexity in equal measure. From the first fragrant aromas of citrus blossom and clover honey through to its long, flinty finish, every sip reveals why Waitaki has become one of New Zealand's most exciting cool-climate Chardonnay regions.

Handcrafted by Master of Wine Steve Smith and the Smith & Sheth team from exceptional vineyard sites, this beautifully balanced Chardonnay combines vibrant fruit, mineral tension and judicious French oak. Critically acclaimed and produced in limited quantities, it is a wine equally suited to tonight's dinner or several years in the cellar.

Why You'll Love It

• Outstanding cool-climate Chardonnay from New Zealand's limestone-rich Waitaki Valley.
• Crafted by Steve Smith MW, one of New Zealand's most respected winemakers.
• 95 Points Cameron Douglas MS.
• 95 Points Wine Orbit (Sam Kim).
• 93 Points James Suckling.
• Wild fermented in French oak with 42% new barrels for exceptional complexity.
• Unfined & unfiltered to preserve purity, texture and character.
• Drink now or cellar confidently through 2033+.

Why This Wine Stands Out

The CRU Collection showcases exceptional vineyard sites that express the unique character of their region. Sourced from just two premium vineyards in the Waitaki Valley—Carluke and Tatty Bogler—this Chardonnay captures the remarkable influence of limestone soils, cool maritime conditions and one of the world's southernmost wine regions. The result is a wine of remarkable finesse, mineral energy and Burgundian-inspired elegance rarely found at this price.

Tasting Notes

Brilliant green-gold in the glass, the bouquet is immediately captivating with aromas of meadow flowers, clover honey, citrus peel, white blossom, fresh cashew and subtle struck-flint complexity. The palate is vibrant and layered, revealing flavours of preserved lemon, lemon meringue pie, white peach, grapefruit, toasted hazelnut and delicate baked biscuit notes. A fine thread of limestone minerality and bright natural acidity provide precision and drive before a long, savoury finish that lingers beautifully.

Wine Style

• Body: Medium
• Sweetness: Dry
• Acidity: High
• Oak: Medium (42% new French oak)
• Texture: Creamy yet tightly focused
• Style: Elegant • Mineral • Complex • Refined • Age-worthy

Perfect With

The wine's vibrant acidity and layered complexity make it exceptionally versatile at the table.

• Butter-poached crayfish
• Pan-seared scallops
• Roast free-range chicken
• Pork belly with apple
• Mushroom risotto
• Fresh linguine with lemon & parmesan
• Brie, Comté or aged Gouda

Perfect For

• Chardonnay lovers seeking a mineral, Burgundian-inspired style.
• Dinner parties and special occasions.
• Seafood feasts.
• Cellaring enthusiasts.
• Anyone wanting to discover one of New Zealand's emerging premium Chardonnay regions.

About Smith & Sheth

Founded by internationally respected Master of Wine Steve Smith and entrepreneur Brian Sheth, Smith & Sheth is dedicated to showcasing New Zealand's finest vineyard sites through wines that authentically express their origin. The CRU Collection focuses on carefully selected vineyards from exceptional regions, combining meticulous viticulture with minimal-intervention winemaking to create wines of elegance, precision and longevity.

The 2023 Vintage

The 2023 vintage produced fruit of exceptional purity and concentration. Grapes were hand harvested from two outstanding limestone vineyards before whole-bunch pressing and wild fermentation in French oak barrels. After 11 months maturation in barrel, followed by five months in tank, the wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered to retain maximum flavour, texture and site expression.

Awards & Critic Reviews

• 95 Points – Cameron Douglas MS (Outstanding)
  "A distinctive and complex bouquet... taut, dry... flinty with layers of soil and lees enhanced by oak and acidity... worth exploring more." Drink through 2030+.
• 95 Points – Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
  "Gorgeously styled with complexity... creamy texture and bright acidity... harmonious and expansive with a sustained, elegant finish." Drink now–2033.
• 93 Points – James Suckling
  "Complex aromas of lemon curd, fresh pineapple, hazelnuts and baking spices... tightly wound and sophisticated."

Drink Now or Cellar?

Enjoy now for its vibrant citrus fruit and mineral freshness, or cellar with confidence for 7–10 years. It will continue to gain richness, complexity and savoury depth through at least 2033.

Technical Details

• Producer: Smith & Sheth
• Wine: CRU Waitaki Chardonnay
• Vintage: 2023
• Country: New Zealand
• Region: Waitaki Valley
• Variety: 100% Chardonnay
• Alcohol: 13.0%
• Closure: Screwcap
• Harvest: Hand picked
• Winemaking: Whole-bunch pressed, wild fermented in French oak (42% new), matured 11 months in barrel, bottled unfined & unfiltered.
• Serving Temperature: 10–12°C
• Cellaring: Now–2033+

If You Like...

If you enjoy the precision of Kumeu River, the elegance of Dog Point Chardonnay or the mineral drive of White Burgundy, you'll appreciate the balance, complexity and purity found in the 2023 Smith & Sheth CRU Waitaki Chardonnay.

Why Buy This Wine?

Combining exceptional vineyard pedigree, meticulous winemaking and outstanding critical acclaim, Smith & Sheth CRU Waitaki Chardonnay 2023 is one of New Zealand's finest examples of cool-climate Chardonnay. Whether you're building a cellar, pairing it with premium seafood or simply enjoying a superb bottle with friends, this is a wine that consistently over-delivers for its price and leaves a lasting impression.