Chardonnay '25

Haiku

fresh almond croissant
mandarin / honeysuckle
tension & focus

Winemakers notes:

Our 2025 Chardonnay was hand-picked in pristine condition on February 23rd. The grapes were whole bunch pressed with half the juice going straight to barrel to ferment wild with full solids.  The other half went to stainless steel over night and was racked into barrel the following morning. All barrels were fermented dry and underwent full malolactic fermentation. The final blend consisted of 22% new oak.

Like all Zaria Chardonnays the MO is to integrate all the elements a fine Chardonnay can offer. Primary fruit flavours of stone fruit and citrus, subtle oak influence providing texture and more complex flavours, the use of malolactic fermentation to soften the acidity and provide the brioche like characters MLF can bring. Finally, the subtle flinty mineral edge that originates from the wild fermented full solid portion of the blend.

A bright full entry onto the palate gives way to an array of lovely grapefruit, and mandarin flavours. A taut acid line provides length and intensity and helps carry all the grapefruit and orange pith, almond croissant, honey suckle and spice. An edgy mineral finish leaves you salivating for the nest sip. An energetic wine that, whilst drinking nicely now, will benefit from time in bottle.

Vineyard: Lesley’s Vineyard
Sub region: Bridge Pa Triangle
Variety/Clone: Chardonnay 548

Alcohol: 13.3%
pH: 3.33
TA: 7.3 g/L

Reviews:

Cameron Douglas - Master Sommelier

94/100. Excellent

Delicious wine, bright and fresh with a core of purity of fruit signature, aromas and flavours of white and yellow peach, red apple, a fine layer of nut and baking spices then leesy complexities. Crisp and dry, plenty of weight with a satin-cream mouthfeel, contrasting acidity with textures from fruit and some wood tannins. Well made with a lengthy finish. Best from late 2026 through 2033.

Sam Kim - Wine Orbit

★★★★★ 95/100

Stylish and complex on the nose, revealing white-fleshed nectarine, fig, rockmelon, subtle vanilla, and biscotti aromas. The palate displays excellent concentration, a fleshy mouthfeel, and beautifully pitched acidity, resulting in a splendidly structured wine with a sustained, satisfying finish. At its best: now to 2033.

Michael Cooper TBA