Takapoto Estate's Reserve Chardonnay 2022 comes from Gimblett Road in Hawke's Bay, and only 3 barrels were ever made. This wine has ripe stone fruit, citrus and hazelnut over a creamy, well-oaked palate with bright acidity. Good for someone who wants a bold, generous New Zealand chardonnay rather than a lean, steely one.
Only 3 barrels of this wine were ever made, two of them new French oak, so what's left is genuinely scarce rather than just marketed that way.
This is a chardonnay for someone who likes the style bold and generous: ripe stone fruit and toasty oak rather than lean and flinty. It's an easy match for richer food, or simply worth having on its own.
The fruit comes from Gimblett Road in Hawke's Bay, a long way from Takapoto's Waikato base and Central Otago pinot vineyards, and was made by winemaker Alex Coldicutt. It shows a different, richer side of Takapoto's range to the two single-vineyard pinot noirs.
What it tastes like
A medium-gold colour with a green tinge leads into aromas of peach, lemon and grapefruit, with hazelnut, quince and a touch of vanilla from the oak. The palate is bold and unctuous, with a creamy texture, keen acidity and a savoury edge of spice and white pepper through the citrus-pith finish.
Style at a glance
- Body: Full
- Sweetness: Dry
- Acidity: Bright, keen
- Oak: French oak, 66% new (2 of the 3 barrels made) - creamy and integrated, not overt
- Style words: Bold, unctuous, creamy, spiced, generous
Food to enjoy this with
- Roast chicken with lemon and thyme
- Pan-seared scallops in a butter sauce
- Creamy seafood pasta
- Roast pork with crackling
- Grilled crayfish or lobster
- Aged gouda or a firm washed-rind cheese
- Roast corn with chilli butter - the wine's richness matches the sweetness and spice
Who makes it
Takapoto Estate is based in Cambridge, in the Waikato, but for this wine the fruit comes from Gimblett Road in Hawke's Bay, a warmer, gravelly district known for full, structured whites and reds. It's a change of scene from Takapoto's Central Otago pinot noir vineyards.
This 2022 was made by winemaker Alex Coldicutt, who took over Takapoto's winemaking after founder Andy Anderson's death in 2019. Only 3 barrels of this Reserve Chardonnay were produced, two of them new French oak, making it one of the smallest releases in Takapoto's range.
When to drink it
Drinking well now. A reserve-style oaked chardonnay like this typically shows well for 3-5 years from vintage, and at 4 years old this one is in that window.
Technical details
| Winery |
Takapoto Estate |
| Wine |
Reserve Chardonnay |
| Vintage |
2022 |
| Variety |
Chardonnay |
| Region |
Gimblett Road, Hawke's Bay |
| Country |
New Zealand |
| Alcohol |
13.5% |
| Oak |
French oak, 66% new (2 of 3 barrels) |
| Serving temperature |
10-12°C |
Where to buy
For international delivery to the USA, Australia, UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, China and South Korea, the Takapoto Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2022 is available via our winenz.com website. For delivery in New Zealand you can purchase from thewineryonline.co.nz. If you are visiting New Zealand, you can also buy it at our Queenstown and Arrowtown stores, alongside a large range of New Zealand and international wine. Only 3 barrels of this wine were ever made, so once it's gone, it's gone.
Questions we are often asked
What does the Takapoto Reserve Chardonnay 2022 taste like?
It shows peach, lemon, grapefruit, hazelnut and quince, with a bold, creamy palate, keen acidity and a spiced, citrus-pith finish from time in French oak.
Where are the grapes grown for this wine?
The fruit comes from Gimblett Road in Hawke's Bay, a warmer, gravelly district known for full-bodied whites and reds.
Why is this chardonnay so limited?
Only 3 barrels of the 2022 Reserve Chardonnay were ever made, two of them new French oak, making it one of Takapoto's smallest releases.
Who makes Takapoto Estate wines?
Takapoto Estate is based in Cambridge, Waikato. This 2022 Chardonnay was made by winemaker Alex Coldicutt, who took over the label after founder Andy Anderson's death in 2019.
What food pairs well with this chardonnay?
Roast chicken, scallops, creamy seafood pasta and roast pork all work well, and it's rich enough to stand up to grilled crayfish or lobster.
Where can I buy Takapoto Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2022?
The Winery ships Takapoto Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2022 internationally from winenz.com to the USA, Australia, UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, China and South Korea, and delivers within New Zealand from thewineryonline.co.nz. It is also available in our Queenstown and Arrowtown stores.
