Nautilus Estate is part of the esteemed Hill-Smith Family Estates. This release is proof that Marlborough does more than just Sauvignon Blanc for white wines. Winemaker is Clive Jones. 2022 was Clive’s “least favourite vintage…it was shitty.” The juice was racked and settled before being put into barrel (20% new). A little lees stirring until primary ferment was complete, then went through 100% malolactic fermentation. The wine was blended and then back into barrel “around September until February” to allow integration and maturation.
Nautilus Estate, Chardonnay, Marlborough, 2022
A wine of generosity with soft fruit. Rich with baking spice and dough, a touch of struck match with lime citrus, stone fruit, golden apple, hazelnut and shortbread crust before a finish of Jersey caramel and latte richness. Deep and full, layered and serious. Intensity creeps up slowly after the upfront richness and lasts long. A textural, classy Chardonnay.
RRP: $36(NZ)
Alc: 13.5%
Rating: 93/100
Wine sample courtesy of Nautilus Estate Wines
vinonotebook 