2023 Whitehaven “Greg” Chardonnay – Creamy stone fruit charm from Rapaura, Marlborough

The Whitehaven “Greg” Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2023 is an exceptionally rare wine from the Balvonie Vineyard in Rapaura, Marlborough—a site that has been cultivated by the MacLauchlan family for decades. The vines come from the renowned Mendoza clone, which was planted as early as 1995 and has been able to mature to remarkable depth in the stony soil near the Wairau River. To mark the 30th anniversary of Whitehaven Wines, this wine is being released for the first time—in a limited edition of just 120 bottles worldwide. It bears the name “Greg” as a loving tribute to company founder Greg White (1952–2007), whose passion for Marlborough wine continues to shape the winery’s philosophy to this day.

The winemaking process follows an artisanal approach that prioritizes maximum expression over convenience. After hand-harvesting, the grapes were pressed as whole clusters—only the free-run juice, without any press residue, was used. Following light clarification, fermentation began in stainless steel; halfway through, the wine was transferred to French oak puncheons, 40% of which were new. This was followed by complete malolactic fermentation and 16 months of contact with fine lees, with occasional bâtonnage to develop texture and complexity. The wine was bottled without fining or filtration—a natural sediment may form, which is a sign of authentic winemaking.

What makes the Whitehaven “Greg” Chardonnay so special?

This Chardonnay is exceptional in every way: only 120 bottles were produced worldwide, and this marks the very first release of this single-vineyard wine—a historic moment for Whitehaven Wines as the winery celebrates its 30th anniversary. The Mendoza clone vines were planted as early as 1995 and have since benefited from the unique stony soils of Balvonie Vineyard near the Wairau River, managed by the MacLauchlan family. The deliberate decision not to fining or filter the wine underscores the commitment to maximizing the authentic expression of this special terroir. Certified to the standards of the Marlborough Wine Appellation (AMW) and vinified using vegan methods, the wine also pays homage to Greg White, the visionary founder of Whitehaven (1952–2007), whose legacy remains palpable with every sip.

So, how does the 2023 Whitehaven “Greg” Chardonnay taste?

In the glass, it displays a medium, bright straw-yellow color with golden highlights. The nose is inviting and complex: ripe peach and fresh citrus notes meet smoky, spicy undertones and subtle toasted aromas reminiscent of freshly toasted bread. On the palate, the wine unfolds as rich, dry, and elegant all at once—juicy stone fruit, roasted hazelnuts, and a creamy fine-yeast texture form the backbone, while flinty minerality and smoky elements add exciting complexity. The finish is long, balanced, and lingers in the memory.