Askerne Reserve Chardonnay

Ey up!  Named Askerne after the spa town of Askern in Yorkshire, northern England. It’s the hometown of co-owner Kathryn Loughlin but these days she calls home Hawke’s Bay, where you’ll find the Askerne winery and vineyard.

Ee-Ba-Gum (as they say in Yorkshire) – the gum trees that feature on the label are a prominent feature of the Askerne vineyard.

A boutique, hands on producer, these guys dabble in making a little bit of everything – Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Semillon, Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir, Barbera, Carmenere, Mourvedre, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Merlot.

This is their 2024 vintage Reserve Chardonnay and it’s a real touch of class backed by FIVE Gold medals at NZ and Australia’s premiere wine competitions. It’s had the full bells ‘n’ whistles treatment using top quality fruit from an outstanding ’24 Hawke’s Bay vintage, hand-picked and whole bunch pressed, aged for 10 months in 36% expensive new French oak with some lees stirring to add volume and complexity.

The Askerne crew said “Intense aromas of ripe lemon and baked peach, layered with perfumed florals, sweet scented oak spice, and limey mineral notes. The palate is textural and broad, but structured with rich oak spice, concentrated juicy citrus and stone fruit flavours, and vibrant acidity that provides wonderful length.”

An absolutely world class Chardonnay for the money right here. Drink now to 5-6 years from vintage.