2023 Mora Chardonnay

94 pts
A 50/50 blend of Pisa and Bannockburn fruit – barrel-fermented, textural and finely balanced, showing Mora’s detail-focused approach to Chardonnay.

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Sale price$57.00
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Description

Mora’s 2023 Chardonnay brings together fruit from two key vineyards – Eden in Pisa and Cairnmuir in Bannockburn – an even split that combines freshness from the higher, stonier Pisa site with texture and weight from Bannockburn’s warmer terraces.

The fruit was hand-picked and whole-bunch pressed, with an early press cut to keep the juice clean. It was fermented in barrel, part wild and part inoculated, with full malo and regular lees stirring for nine months in French oak (20% new). The result is a Chardonnay that balances energy and richness without tipping either way.

The nose shows preserved lemon, stone fruit and a little honeysuckle. The palate is creamy and textural, with flavours of baked lemon and panna cotta held in check by bright acidity. A well-judged, modern Central Otago Chardonnay that’s as comfortable on its own as it is next to a plate of blue cod with caper butter.

94 points - "Fruit is from an equal split between Eden Vineyard in Pisa and Cairnmuir in Bannockburn. Full malolactic fermentation and matured in 20% new French oak for 9 months prior to bottling. White peaches in season, pomelo segments and toasted marshmallows. A dusting of nutmeg spice, cinnamon quill and white pepper. You’ll be struck by the enticing orchard fruit but wait there is more, the palate walks the line between zingy acidity and a porridge creaminess that is swoonworthy. Some almond nougatine and a chalky finish. This is very fresh and will age glacially. Drink with white polenta, shaved truffles and parmesan cheese. Drink now or cellar for 6-8 years further." - Shanteh Wale (Wine Pilot)

93 points - "Nutty and complex, layered, tight and restrained with good concentration of stone-fruit and apple before giving way to oak on the chewy finish. Classically constructed with carefully measured winemaking accents for mid-term enjoyment." - Stephen Wong MW (The Real Review)

This 2023 Chardonnay was sourced from our Eden Vineyard in Pisa (50%) and Cairnmuir Vineyard in Bannockburn (50%). Barrel fermented and aged for 9 months, 20% new. Vibrant aromas of preserved lemons and citrus, stone fruit and honeysuckle.

Hand picked and whole bunch pressed. Early press cut on juice, settled overnight and transferred to barrel for primary fermentation. Partially inoculated and partially wild fermented. Full malolactic fermentation. 20% new French oak, remainder neutral oak. Stirred fortnightly for added weight and texture. Aged in barrel for 9 months before blending and bottling.

On the nose, this Chardonnay opens with vibrant aromas of preserved lemons and citrus, complemented by hints of charred lime and stone fruit. Subtle notes of honeysuckle add a delicate floral touch. The palate is a thoughtful blend of baked lemon cheesecake and panna cotta, offering creamy texture balanced by fresh acidity. This wine’s textural complexity makes it a perfect match for fresh blue cod in a caper butter sauce.

Price Bracket $51 to $100
Type White
Body Medium Bodied
Variety Chardonnay
Country New Zealand
Region Central Otago
Reviewed By Wine Pilot
Critic Score 94
Size 750ml
Vintage 2023
Closure Screw Cap

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