Each year New Zealand’s only Master Sommelier Cameron Douglas conducts a blind tasting of Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay. From this tasting comes the Annual Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay Collection. A selection of twelve chardonnays that Cam feels represents both the unique terroir of Hawke’s Bay and the vintage.
It’s worth noting that 2023 was the year that The Bay was hit by devastating Cyclone Gabrielle that decimated some vineyards within the region.
This from Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers:
Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers are delighted to celebrate five years of the prestigious Hawke’s Bay Annual Chardonnay Collection with the announcement of the 2023 vintage selection. The dedication and expertise of Hawke’s Bay’s winemakers have delivered wines of exceptional quality and character.
Selected blind by Cameron Douglas, MS, these twelve outstanding Chardonnays represent the apex of the 2023 vintage. Each bottle embodies the unwavering dedication, skill, and innovation that defines Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay.
The selected wines include:
The delicious dozen
AC Reserve Chardonnay 2023
Alchemy Chardonnay 2023
Alpha Domus The Batten Chardonnay 2023
Askerne Reserve Chardonnay 2023
Bilancia Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2023
Bilancia Kaikora Vineyard Chardonnay 2023
Clearview Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2023
Craggy Range Chardonnay, Gimblett Gravels 2023
Čuvar Iris Chardonnay 2023
Paritua "Willow" Chardonnay 2023
Sileni Exceptional Selection Chardonnay 2023
Squawking Magpie Gravels Chardonnay 2023
Cameron Douglas, MS, was deeply impressed with the calibre of the wines:
“I remain resolute in my thoughts about Hawke’s Bay as a premier New Zealand Chardonnay producing region. Winemakers here have a true understanding of site and vintage, and this was again expressed in the wines for the 2023 vintage. Congratulations to the producers and the viticulture teams.”
The Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers Chardonnay Collection, now in its fifth year, has firmly established itself as a benchmark for quality and a showcase of the region’s commitment to excellence in Chardonnay winemaking. The 2023 Collection is a testament to the remarkable expertise of the region’s producers and highlights the diversity of expressions across Hawke’s Bay’s unique subregions.
As Chardonnay continues to be a flagship varietal for Hawke’s Bay - renowned for its internationally recognised excellence - the 2023 Collection will be shared with wine media worldwide, further reinforcing Hawke’s Bay’s reputation as one of the world’s Great Wine Capitals.
Congratulations to all wineries, producers, and teams involved in crafting this exceptional collection. Their dedication and passion continue to elevate Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay on the world stage.