Nautilus Estate is part of the esteemed Hill-Smith Family Estates and celebrates its 40th birthday this year. Winemaker is Clive Jones. 2023 was another La Nina vintage with wet conditions. Sourced from the 30 year old Renwick vineyard. Handpicked fruit was pressed and settled before being put into barrel (20% new) for indigenous fermentation. 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, 2023
A floral and serious nose. Beeswax, almond biscotti, lemon shortbread, gun flint and struck match (which blows off), oyster shell, ripe stone fruit, cashew cream and mineral water. Generous and fleshy upfront richness that’s neatly framed with smart oak before being balanced and very tight through the mid body and tail. Phenolic grip dries and tacks the finish. There’s some power and poise to this well priced wine.
RRP: $38 (AU)
Alc: 13%
Rating: 93/100
Wine sample courtesy of Nautilus Estate Wines
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