Wine Advisor
The Marlborist, Chardonnay 2023
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Erin Larkin
The 2023 Chardonnay is fragrant, light and floral, with green apple, a hint of kiwi fruit and feijoa, ocean spray and spring blossoms. On the palate, the wine is elegant and restrained, with finely tuck-pointed acidity and phenolics. The oak is a subtle structural and textural support rather than an overt feature. This wine is quiet, in its way, attractive and good. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.
Reviewed by: Rebecca Gibb MW
The Marlborist's 2023 Chardonnay is smart and saline, with a piercing line of acidity running through its textural core. This has a barrel-fermented style that provides toasted nut flavors alongside the grapefruit-like apple fruit notes. It is a shade more delicate than medium-bodied, with an element of richness on the mid-palate alongside delicate pastry notes pointing to extended lees aging. Thoughtfully constructed, this relatively new producer is forging a growing reputation.
About the Producer
The Marlborist is an independent wine producer located in Marlborough, New Zealand, founded in 2020 by three friends: winemaker Rich Ellis, viticulturist Stu Dudley, and creative director Dave Nash. Drawing on decades of experience from renowned wineries like Greywacke, Ata Rangi, and Villa Maria, they aim to write a new chapter in Marlborough’s wine story. Collaborating closely with sustainable and biodynamic growers in the Southern Valleys and Renwick, their cellar approach is minimalist, featuring spontaneous fermentation with wild yeasts, maturation in neutral French oak, and no fining or filtration. This results in wines that embody depth, elegance, and a distinct sense of place. The Marlborist is more than just a winery; it is a tribute to Marlborough and a commitment to the next generation of wine lovers. Their wines resonate with those who seek authenticity, character, and a compelling story in every glass.
