Clayvin

Clayvin Chardonnay

Discover our finest wines from the iconic, certified organic Clayvin Vineyard, one of Marlborough’s most celebrated sites, renowned worldwide for its pure expression of terroir. White peach, lemon and flint with depth, precision and mineral drive. A structured, organically farmed single-vineyard Chardonnay from Marlborough’s Southern Valleys.

Clayvin Vineyard is located in the Southern Valleys of Marlborough and was planted in 1993. The north-facing site is organically farmed and high-density planted to reduce vine vigour and promote deep root structure. Fragile clay soils, among the oldest in Marlborough, retain water while encouraging roots to migrate deep into cooler subsoils, supporting structure and minerality.

The 2018/2019 growing season delivered excellent quality fruit with low disease pressure. Very low yields were targeted, with additional crop thinning around veraison to enhance concentration and varietal expression. Warm daytime temperatures supported ripening, while cool Marlborough nights helped preserve natural acidity.

This Chardonnay shows white peach and lemon layered with toasted hazelnut and flinty complexity. The palate is concentrated and textural, balanced by bright acidity and a long, mineral finish.

Fruit was hand-picked and hand-sorted in the vineyard before whole-bunch pressing. Free-run juice was settled and transferred directly to oak.

Fermentation occurred in 1000L German oak Fuder barrels using a wild yeast starter to encourage a natural, vineyard-led fermentation. The wine rested on lees for 11 months and underwent 100% malolactic fermentation to build complexity and integrate acidity.

Maturation continued for 12 months in a combination of 1000L German oak Fuders and 300L French oak hogsheads, with 25% new oak. The result is a Chardonnay with structure, depth and precision that reflects the Clayvin site.

Awards

2025

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

Reviews

Bob CampbellThe Real Review

"Intense, vibrant Chardonnay with grapefruit, oyster-shell, mineral, ginger, cashew nut and spicy French oak flavours. An elegant wine with power and potential.”

Sam KimWine Orbit

"An exceptional offering; the bouquet is inviting, engaging and very charming with white stone fruit, rockmelon, lemon pith, vanilla and hazelnut characters with a touch of flinty notes. The palate offers outstanding fruit purity and vibrancy, wonderfully complemented by creamy texture and firm acidity. It is taut yet rounded and flows effortlessly to an extremely long sensual finish."

International Wine Challenge

"Lovely smoky struck match aromas. Complex with lees and some citrus zest and orange peel notes. A long textured finish."

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