Blank Canvas flagship Chardonnay from Marlborough's Reed Vineyard at Waihopai Valley entrance, Clone 95 on old Gewurztraminer rootstocks delivering orchard fruit and oak harmony. The 2023 vintage showcases toasted nuts, citrus and flinty minerality with rich creamy texture and bright acidity—a new benchmark for New Zealand barrel-fermented Chardonnay with 8-10 years aging potential.
Winemaking & Style
Reed Vineyard Clone 95 Chardonnay on Gewurztraminer rootstocks for deep-rooted complexity, thin stony clay soils.
Hand-harvested whole bunch pressed cloudy free-run juice, 40% new French oak puncheons spontaneous fermentation.
Natural malolactic fermentation, 11 months barrel lees aging for texture and finesse.
Tasting Notes
Colour:Medium straw-gold
Aroma:Toasted hazelnut, white peach, struck flint, citrus peel, brioche, roasted almond
Palate:Rich creamy texture with tight peach core, mineral acidity supporting structure, oak-spice mid-palate richness, flinty-nutty endless finish
Ratings & Accolades
James Suckling: 94 points — "Marlborough's finest barrel-fermented Chardonnay, power and precision"
Bob Campbell: 95 points — "Textural richness, excellent aging potential"
Serving temperature: 10–12°C
Suggested pairings: Garlic butter lobster, cheese-baked crab, black pepper creamy pasta, garlic chicken wings, smoked salmon, lobster thermidor, cauliflower cheese soup.
Special Notes: Clone 95 single vineyard boutique, limited production, NZ Chardonnay benchmark, develops extraordinary flinty-nut-honey complexity with age, 8-10 year window
Region: New Zealand, Marlborough
Type: White Wine
Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay (Clone 95 single vineyard)
Alcohol: 13.5%
Volume: 750ml