2022 Smith and Sheth CRU Heretaunga Chardonnay

96 Points Bob Campbell MW
In stock
A stylish and powerful Chardonnay from a serious single vineyard. Smith and Sheth are a new "negociant" label who source from from single vineyards believed by the legendary Steve Smith MW, former Craggy Range founder, to have a sure future reputation. This one is rich and full-textured with an abundance of delicious toasty, nutty and flinty complexity. Superb stuff -- one to try!
$36.99 in mixed 6+ or $41.99 per bottle

Grape

Chardonnay

Its Origins

Smith and Sheth ‘CRU’ is the wine brand of Steve Smith MW and Brian Sheth who together have formed Aotearoa New Zealand Fine Wine Estates. This is the return of Steve Smith, who is best known for his establishing of Craggy Range with the Peabody family and his role as chief viticulturist for the Villa Maria Estates group before that. Steve has teamed up with Brian Sheth, one of the founders of Vista Equity Partners, a global technology investment firm. Among other business and interests, Brian is also the chairman of Global Wildlife Conservation. Aotearoa New Zealand Fine Wine originally aimed to have wine from great parcels from exceptional vineyards, but has grown to purchase unique and individual winegrowing operations, starting with Pyramid Valley in North Canterbury and Lowburn Ferry in Central Otago. The company also has a 5 ha vineyard in the Gimblett Gravels in Hawke’s Bay with Chardonnay and Syrah, awaiting its first yield. Michael Henley, formerly of Craggy Range and Trinity Hill is the CEO, and the company works closely with several viticulturalists. Smith and Sheth will launch their first wines under the Smith and Sheth ‘CRU’ label in April this year. The wines are made from the highest quality fruit selected from special sites. Steve personally makes the wines at friends’ winery facilities.

What The Critics Say

96/100 Bob Campbell MW

"Serious chardonnay with impressive intensity and pronounced saline/oyster shell characters together with classy French oak flavours supported by vibrant acidity that helps drive a lingering finish. It has the X-factor 03 Aug 2024." Drink 2024 - 2031

95/100 Wine Orbit, Sam Kim

"Beautifully composed and expressed, showing white flesh nectarine, lemon pith, vanilla and hazelnut aromas with a hint of wet limestone. The palate delivers terrific weight and fleshy texture, combined with bright acidity, finishing splendidly long and satisfying. Gorgeously layered and flowing, making it immensely appealing. At its best: now to 2034. $40.00. www.smithandsheth.com. July 2024." Drink 2024 - 2034

94/100 Cameron Douglas MS

"A wine that is as delicious as the bouquet of complexity suggests. Aromas and flavours of ripe toasty stone fruits, grapefruit peel and barrel spices. Weighty with a bold full-bodied mouthfeel, flavours of stone fruits and citrus, wood spices and some barrel smoke, then a cashew nut and roasted Brazil-nut quality adding complexity and richness. Alcohol and acidity frame these ideas completing the wine. Youthful with some development time ahead offering best drinking from late 2025 through 2034."

Variety Chardonnay
Region Hawkes Bay
Closure Cap
Volume 750ml
Alcohol 13.00%
Maturity 2024 - 2034

This Wine Goes Well With

with CHICKEN
with PORK
with SEAFOOD

Taste

3

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