Overview:
The Johner Estate 2022 Lime Hill Vineyard Chardonnay is a standout wine crafted from the small but exceptional Lime Hill Vineyard in the northern Wairarapa, situated on the road to Castlepoint. The vineyard, with its lime-clay hillside slopes, produces a wine of great depth and character. This Chardonnay is a rich, full-bodied, and creamy expression of New Zealand’s terroir, offering a multi-layered profile with excellent aging potential.
Tasting Notes:
This wine offers aromas of ripe yellow stone fruit like peach and mango, along with pear apple, floral notes, and hints of vanilla, croissant, and buttered toast. On the palate, the wine has a round, creamy texture with a prominent oak influence. The acidity is lively and balances the richness of the wine, contributing to its freshness. As the wine continues to age, the acidity and secondary aromas will integrate further, enhancing its complexity. This Chardonnay pairs beautifully with creamy dishes such as lobster bisque or butter-poached seafood. It also complements roast chicken, pork belly, or creamy risottos, especially those with rich cheeses or herbs. The wine’s richness will balance out dishes with a bit of acidity, like lemon-butter pasta or goat cheese salad.