2021 Te Kano Life Chardonnay

A regional blend of Waitaki and Northburn Chardonnay from Te Kano – ripe and textural yet clean and focused, showing real balance between fruit, oak and freshness.
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Sale price$42.00
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Description

Te Kano’s Life Series brings together fruit from across Otago to tell the story of the season. This Chardonnay blends parcels from the limestone soils of Waitaki and the schist-rich slopes of Northburn – a combination that gives both aromatic lift and mineral drive.

The 2022 vintage was kind to Chardonnay: warm and even in Central Otago, cooler and slower up in Waitaki. The fruit was hand-harvested and whole-bunch pressed before barrel fermentation and nine months on lees, with regular stirring to build texture and depth.

It’s layered and full of character – yellow peach, pear and tropical notes balanced by subtle oak spice, brioche and a squeeze of citrus that keeps it tight. The palate feels rich but focused, the finish clean and dry. A well-judged Chardonnay that captures Te Kano’s modern, detailed style and their knack for blending across subregions.

Customer Reviews

5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
Based on 1 review
Total 5 star reviews: 1 Total 4 star reviews: 0 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
1 review
  • MF
    Matthew F.
    Verified Buyer
    17 seconds ago
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    A Favourite

    Fresh, with lemony and stone fruits notes. Light oak only. A popular and personal favourite with us.

Overview
The Life Series captures the essence of Te Kano’s estate vineyards, using select parcels of fruit from across Otago’s subregions to showcase both the season and the unique regional expression.

Tasting Notes
A complex Chardonnay with aromas of yellow peach, tropical fruit, toasted coconut, and creamy brioche. The palate reveals layers of peach and pear, complemented by spicy oak nuances and a rich array of buttered brioche and biscuit undertones. A hint of citrus peel keeps the palate tight and fresh. Lovely fruit weight and richness are balanced by lively, refreshing acidity.

Vintage
The 2022 season was warm and gentle in Central Otago, with a hot summer and settled harvest conditions. Waitaki, more maritime in influence, experienced a cooler, overcast growing season and a long warm autumn. These diverse conditions contributed to the complexity and depth of the final blend.

Vineyards
This wine reflects the lifted aromatics of Waitaki limestone and the fruit intensity and mineral backbone of Northburn schist.

Varietal
100% Chardonnay (Clones: Mendoza, 95, and 548)

Winemaking
Vineyard parcels were individually hand-harvested and whole-bunch pressed to tank for light settling. Barrel fermentation and extended lees stirring over nine months helped build mid-palate texture and complexity before blending of selected barrels in spring.

Technical Data

pH: 3.29

TA: 5.5 g/L

Residual Sugar: 0 g/L

Brix: 22.7–23.2

Alcohol: 13%

Cellaring Potential
Drink now or over the next 3+ years.

Serving Temperature
Serve at 8–10°C.

Price Bracket $41 to $50
Type White
Body Medium Bodied
Variety Chardonnay
Country New Zealand
Region Central Otago
Size 750ml
Vintage 2022
Closure Screw Cap

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