2024 Millton Te Arai Vineyard Chenin Blanc

94 pts
Arguably New Zealand's premier Chenin Blanc, and a powerful one at that.
4.5
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
6 Reviews

Price:
Sale price$38.00
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Sold out
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Description

Millton has long been the benchmark for Chenin Blanc in New Zealand, and the Te Arai vineyard is the jewel in the crown. Planted back in 1984, this Gisborne site has been farmed biodynamically from the beginning, with James and Annie Millton quietly proving over decades just how well Chenin suits their corner of the East Coast.

The 2024 vintage carries all the hallmarks of the vineyard – stonefruit, citrus and floral lift – but it’s the texture and structure that really set it apart. Gisborne had a steady season, and the long hang time allowed the Chenin to build its trademark line of acidity without losing ripeness. The wine spent time on lees in seasoned oak, which has given it a gentle creaminess while letting the vineyard character shine through.

As always, production is limited, and these wines tend to disappear fast. If you’re into Chenin or just want to see New Zealand white wine at its most distinctive and ageworthy, this is a must-try.

94 points
"It’s got seriousness and drinkability."
- Mike Bennie (The Wine Front)

Mike Bennie

Mike Bennie

The Wine Front 94 Points

Chenin specialists, biodynamic specialists. Perfect storm.

Tightly wound, electric with saline minerality, preserved lemon, some chicken stock savouriness, a touch of dried pear, a dash of green apple juice. A little richness around that piercing stretch of acidity. It’s got seriousness and drinkability. A little herbal note to finish. Pedigree.

Customer Reviews

4.5
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
Based on 6 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 3 Total 4 star reviews: 3 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
6 reviews
  • VA
    victor a.
    Verified Buyer
    9 months ago
    Reviewing
    2022 Millton Te Arai Vineyard Chenin Blanc
    Rated 4 out of 5 stars
    2022 Millton Te Arai Vineyard Chenin Blanc

    it was an "interesting wine but NOWHERE near as good as the top class South African Chenin Blancs BUT unfortunately nowadays they are much too expensive for the ordinary mid class imbiber

  • SC
    Samira C.
    Verified Buyer
    1 year ago
    Reviewing
    2021 Millton Te Arai Vineyard Chenin Blanc
    Rated 4 out of 5 stars
    Very nice

    Delicious, easy drinking and impressive for its price point

  • ST
    Seth T.
    Verified Buyer
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    1 year ago
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    Reviewing
    2021 Millton Te Arai Vineyard Chenin Blanc
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    A white for all occasions

    Green apple, pear, lemon lime and a mineral backbone adding some nice texture. This would go with just about anything and great white to drink on it's own.

Over the years our determination to produce one of the world’s best wines from this variety is a seasonal challenge and a bottled fantasy. In 2024 we did four selections from the vineyard of hand-harvested the grapes. On the crush pad, the stems are discarded as these grapes give up their juice very easily during the long slow press cycle. The juice is collected together and allowed to settle for only a short time as we wish to keep the fine sediments, for it is here that all the nutrients lie which satisfy a well-behaved fermentation. The fermentation and maturation take place in demi-muids (large 600-litre oak barrels) and stainless steel tanks. The wine matures in these vessels over time, and without the obtrusion of oak tannins, which would otherwise disrespect the subtle fruit aromas.

Price Bracket $31 to $40
Type White
Body Medium Bodied
Variety Chenin Blanc
Country New Zealand
Region Gisborne
Feature Biodynamic
Organic
Vegan
Women in Wine
Reviewed By The Wine Front
Critic Score 94
Alcohol 12%
Size 750ml
Vintage 2024
Closure Screw Cap

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