Country: New Zealand
Region: Hawke's Bay
Vintage: 2023
Variety: Chardonnay
Alcohol volume: 13.8
Closure: Screwcap

Appearance
Pale lime to pale straw.

Aroma
Vibrant aromas of brioche, oyster shell and white peach.

Palate
A precise and impressive palate, with notes of citrus peel, warm bread directed by a fine acid backbone giving incredible length. A wine with great delineation, a true reflection of the unique Gimblett Gravels Vineyard.

Vinification
100% whole bunch, fermented in barriques and puncheons.

Vintage notes
Temperate ripening season that was defined by several large rain events. Picking and selection were critical.

Gary Walsh
Points: 93/100
Ben Tombs is the current Craggy Range winemaker, and on Instagram, he swaps the letters on his first and last name to arrive at Ten Bombs. I’m Wary that Mampbell Cattinson is kind of a nonsense name, though I rather like Bike Mennie. This wine was made by Julian Grounds, as his last hurrah I think. Quite a vintage to go out on… Here’s a nice fine Chardonnay. White peach, apple, spiced pastry, a slight flintiness, seashell and struck match. It’s bright and juicy, has some lime flavour in the mix, a grapefruit tang to acidity, light chalky grip, with a zippy finish and a twist of lime zest. Lovely wine.