2020 Tony Bish Zen Chardonnay
Grape
Chardonnay
Its Origins
Tony Bish is a legend of New Zealand winemaking who spent decades making such iconic wines as Sacred Hill's Rifleman's Chardonnay. Now he is channeling his Chardonnay expertise into his own labels, which he produces in a stylish urban winery he has set up in Napier. Much of his wine is aimed at delivering classy examples of the the rich and creamy, 'old school' style of Chardonnay. But Tony's incredible touch and experience ensures that each wine is balanced and refined — even with all their big, bold appeal. Meanwhile, Tony's ongoing experimentation in style and technique is producing results such as his deliciously un-oaked "Golden Egg" Chardonnay, and his super premium "Zen" Chardonnay, which is made in an incredible egg-shaped oak vessel.
What The Critics Say
99/100 Wine Orbit, Sam Kim
"This is stunningly refined and poised, showing nectarine, fig, nougat, hazelnut and sweet pastry aromas on the nose. The palate displays exceptional weight and focus, combined with creamy texture and brilliantly pitched acidity, leading to a prolonged exquisite finish. Alluring and ethereal with layers of enticing flavours and textures. At its best: 2024 to 2034. $140.00. www.tonybishwines.co.nz. Nov 2022." Drink 2024 - 2034
98/100 Raymond Chan wine Reviews, Candice Chow
"Bright, pale yellow with depth and a light gold hue, even colour throughout. This has an elegant, persisting bouquet, aromas of citrus and stonefruit, interwoven with delicate spice and hazelnut harmoniously. Medium-full bodied, aromas of lemon, lemon curd and grapefruit zest entwined with white peach, enveloping delicate spice of cardamom, grounded nutmeg, and hazelnut. Vivacious, seamless acidity carries whipped butter and spice to linearity; well-proportioned spice and nut nuances adorn the palate with poise. This refined, harmonious Chardonnay shows an effortless flow with tension and immense balance. Match with crayfish carpaccio and sea urchin over the next 10 years. Fruit from the dry-farmed Skeetfield block, Mendoza clone. Handpicked, indigenous yeast fermented in French oak ovum egg and new Taransaud French oak barriques (40%) to 13% alc, underwent full MLF, unfined, unfiltered. 19.5/20 (98 pts) Dec 2022 RRP $140." Drink 2022 - 2032
96/100 Cameron Douglas MS
"A very elegant, sophisticated and complex bouquet with aromas of pure, ripe new season stone fruits, some lees autolysis textures, flowers, a fine layer of grapefruit and apple. Fantastic on the palate, a silky-cream texture touches first, and lasts, contrasting acidity then core fruit flavours to reflect the boquuet fold in. Fine textures and layers of complexity from the ovum unfild as the wine opens up on the palate with a soft vanilla spice and sweet wood quality. Textures from the lees add complexity and breadth. A fantastic wine with excellent drinking from 2023 through 2033." Drink 2023 - 2033
| Variety | Chardonnay |
|---|---|
| Region | Hawkes Bay |
| Closure | Cap |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Alcohol | 13.00% |
| Maturity | 2022 - 2034 |
This Wine Goes Well With
Taste
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