Region and Vineyards
Dog Point Chardonnay 2022 is grown in the southern valleys of Marlborough, on the clay-rich hill slopes and foothills surrounding the estate’s home vineyards. These sites are dry-farmed and celebrated for their complex soils—a mix of clay, silt-loam, and gravel, providing structure, drainage, and natural restraint. Marlborough’s cool climate, moderated by ocean influence, allows for slow ripening and bright natural acidity.
The vineyards are planted with 28-year-old vines on average, with some dating back to 1984—among the oldest Chardonnay plantings in the region. Yields are low (2.5 tonnes/ha), ensuring concentration and balance. Clonal selection includes 66% Mendoza (known for its intensity and hens-and-chick berries) and 34% Clone 95, which adds refinement. The 2022 vintage brought spring warmth and summer rain, requiring meticulous vineyard work, including hand-dropping of disease-affected bunches. The resulting fruit is ripe, vibrant, and classically expressive.
Winemaking
The 2022 Chardonnay was hand-harvested between March 16–23, gently pressed, and allowed a brief overnight juice settling. Fermentation was 100% wild (indigenous yeast), both primary and secondary (malolactic), carried out in French oak barrels, of which only 10% were new, over a period of 18 months.
There was no fining and only minimal filtration prior to bottling. Extended lees contact, without excessive oak influence, imparts a creamy, nutty texture while preserving purity and drive. This hands-off, minimalist approach aligns with Dog Point’s philosophy of non-interventionist winemaking and vineyard-driven character.
Tasting Notes
- Color: Deep straw with golden hints.
- Aroma: Ripe citrus—lemon peel and tangerine—layered with mealy, savoury tones, lees-derived complexity, and fine smoky oak.
- Palate: Focused and textural, led by pure citrus fruit, developing into oatmeal, almond meal, and glycerol richness. Saline acidity adds drive and freshness, leading to a long, elegant finish.
Did you know?
Dog Point Vineyard is Marlborough’s largest certified organic estate, established by former Cloudy Bay viticulturist Ivan Sutherland and winemaker James Healy. Their Chardonnay has quietly become a benchmark for serious, age-worthy expressions from New Zealand, eschewing tropical excess for restraint, texture, and minerality.
Wine Pairing Ideas
- Grilled crayfish with lemon butter – citrus tension and lees texture elevate the sweetness of shellfish.
- Roast chicken with tarragon and garlic – nutty complexity and saline freshness mirror the richness of the dish.
- Risotto with wild mushrooms and parmesan – savoury, creamy elements resonate with the wine’s depth.
- Soft-ripened cheeses (Brie, Chaource) – smooth textures play against the wine’s acidity and layered structure.
