Chardonnay, Blank Canvas, Reed Vineyard Marlborough, New Zealand

Julia Harding MW, Jancis Robinson. 

17.5 points
Marked struck-match flinty aroma. Not excessive unless you don't like this style of barrel-fermented Chardonnay. Like flinty Meursault, this has a clementine aroma and flavour as well as the creamy/mealy richness of the oak. Both mouth-filling and precise with great freshness and length, deep in citrus, just slightly toasty on the aftertaste but not oaky. Totally engaging and hard to spit, with, I suspect, long ageing potential.

Rebecca Gibb MW, New Zealand Whites: Never Gonna Give You Up, Vinous

Blank Canvas, Reed Vineyard Marlborough Chardonnay 2023, New Zealand
94 points
At this young stage, the 2023 Chardonnay Reed Vineyard shows its winemaking choices in its struck flint aromas and smoky bacon-like flavours. Some might find that off-putting, but those who like their Chardonnays funky rather than fruit-filled will enjoy this. The 2023 has a piercing personality and a line of acidity that sings through its pure core. You can expect substance and richness of texture on the mid-palate and through to the finish. Savoury, smoky flavours and touches of white stone fruit and citrus linger long. This is young and firm—another year in bottle would serve it well.