2025 Millton Te Arai Vineyard Chenin Blanc

93 pts
Arguably New Zealand's premier Chenin Blanc, and a powerful one at that.

Price:
Sale price$39.00
Stock:
In stock, ready to ship
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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 2025 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.

93 points
"Bright tree fruits and citrus delivered with concentration, drive and harmony on the palate."
- Cameron Douglas MS

93 points - "Bright tree fruits and citrus delivered with concentration, drive and harmony on the palate." - Cameron Douglas MS

Customer Reviews

Customer Reviews

Based on 6 reviews
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v
victor a.
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

S
Samira C.
Very nice

Delicious, easy drinking and impressive for its price point

S
Seth T.
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.

G
Georgia K.
Pretty good

This was my first experience trying Chenin Blanc and it was an enjoyable bottle. I’ll definitely be trying this variety again but am keen to try other wineries.

K
Kristin A.
I

Very tasty

With aromas of mango, tropical fruit, lime and green apple there is a mouth watering acidity complimented with a softening sweetness.

The Te Arai vineyard is five kilometres from the sea, this maritime proximity underlies the wine’s unique South Pacific style. The silt soils give fragrance while the occasional incidence of botrytis, generated by the autumnal mists from the Te Arai stream, give complex texture, body and a sense of sweetness to the wine.

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 2025 we did three 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 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
Size 750ml
Vintage 2025
Closure Screw Cap

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