Chardonnay is the world's favourite white wine and the second most planted white grape in New Zealand with 3,069 hectares of grapes, which might pale in comparison to Sauvignon Blanc's 28,109 hectares but where the taste, quality and range of styles are all punching well above their weight these days.
Chardonnay was once, briefly, the most planted grape variety overall in New Zealand but size isn't everything. Numbers aside, the uniformly high quality of Chardonnay made in this country today aligns closely with a noticeable move over the past 10 years towards restraint in winemaking bells and whistles.
The latest wines to make an appearance on the market - and on my tasting table over the past month - have provided a great insight into the exceptional ability of Chardonnay to adapt to a wide range of growing conditions in Aotearoa New Zealand. The country's is aptly named land of the long white cloud; a name that pays homage to its maritime climate and significant diurnal differences across the country. The following wines are a snapshot that highlight the exceptional quality and range of styles made here today.
Here are my ratings on a new bunch of New Zealand Chardonnays.
18/20
2024 Main Divide North Canterbury Chardonnay RRP $17.99 to $23.99
Main Divide Chardonnay is a perennial favourite for good reason. This North Canterbury gem opens with seductive aromas of dark caramel, hinting at the richness to come. On the palate, it’s full-bodied, dry, and silky, with impressive weight and texture. The savoury character of Chardonnay takes centre stage, while oak plays a subtle supporting role, adding finesse without overpowering. A complex wine at an extremely friendly price.
18.5/20
2024 Porters Estate Chardonnay Martinborough RRP $47.99
A debut worth trying - Porters’ first Chardonnay is made from two newly introduced French clones (548 and another yet-to-be-named), picked in April and bottled in March after 11 months in seasoned French oak—no new barrels here. The result is a refined, fleshy Chardonnay with subtle maturation influence from older oak barrels with gentle smooth textural qualities, a touch of spice and a clear sense of purpose with its long rewarding finish.
18.5/20
2024 Q Chardonnay Waitaki Valley RRP $60
Cool-climate elegance in a glass. This Waitaki Valley Chardonnay is rich and creamy with layers of complexity. A savoury finish and a whisper of green phenolics lend intrigue and authenticity, clearly echoing its southern origins. Full-bodied and aromatic, it’s a wine that speaks of place and precision.
18/20
2023 Dublin Street Martinborough Chardonnay RRP $32
A standout from a tricky vintage. This Martinborough Chardonnay walks a tightrope of crisp acidity and generous body with remarkable poise. The winemaker’s restraint—harvesting at just the right moment and avoiding overworking the wine—has paid off. The result? A finely tuned, elegant Chardonnay that shines with clarity and confidence.
18/20
2024 Red Hut Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay RRP $35.99
Hawke’s Bay has long been Chardonnay country and this one shows exactly why. Creamy in texture, it brings generous aromas of peach and nectarine with subtle nutty notes. An excellent match for roast chicken or a platter of cheese and crackers.
18.5/20
2021 Takapoto Estate Hawke's Bay Reserve Chardonnay RRP $49.99
A nod to Chablis with a Kiwi twist. This reserve Chardonnay offers creamy nuance, moderate acidity, and a medium-plus finish that lingers just long enough. Elegant and understated, it’s a quietly confident wine that rewards attention.
18.5/20
2023 Greywacke Marlborough Chardonnay RRP $44.99
Bold and unapologetically full-bodied Marlborough Chardonnay bursting with bright acidity and a long, commanding finish. The nose leans reductive—think smoky flint—which may divide opinion, but the palate delivers with intense citrusy aromas of lemon zest and ripe grapefruit followed by a full body, creamy texture, edge and energy.
18.5/20
2023 Elephant Hill Sea Chardonnay RRP $65
Zesty, zingy, and unmistakably coastal. This Sea Chardonnay channels Chablis with its crisp lemon-laced acidity and vibrant freshness. A bright, bold wine that’s all about purity and precision.
18.5/20
2023 Elephant Hill Salomé Chardonnay RRP $95
Creamy, complex, and just a touch reductive, Salomé reveals layers of ripe peach and fleshy stone fruit beneath its bold exterior. Full-bodied with a long, satisfying finish, it’s a wine that evolves in the glass and rewards slow sipping.
17.5/20
2024 Misty Cove Chardonnay Marlborough RRP $34.99
This vibrant, medium-bodied Chardonnay comes from New Zealand’s largest wine region. It’s all about freshness—crisp acidity, lively citrus, and a gentle creamy note that glides across the mid-palate. A charming expression of Marlborough, balancing fruit purity with subtle texture.
Image: A picture of windswept beauty in the smallest wine region in New Zealand - the Waitaki Valley. The clear skies in this photograph hover over Q Vineyards in Waitaki Valley.
