Blank Canvas Reed Vineyard Chardonnay 2024 [97/100 S&P]

‘Sourced from growers Pete and Anne Reed on a vineyard that sits in central Wairau, on an elevated terrace near the confluence of the Waihopai and Wairau Rivers. The site allows for slow, even ripening and the development of fine acidity and structure – qualities that were exacerbated by the exceptional 2024 vintage, which naturally gave low yields and vibrant acidities due to low night-time temperatures. Hand picking, whole-bunch pressing, wild ferments in French oak puncheons (40% new) and oak ageing for 11 months has given an exceptionally well defined and compelling style packed full of flinty, citric, nutty, toasty, smoky flavours and a vibrant, tense finish. ‘Is this the best one we’ve made so far..?’ muses Thomson while we taste. Irrespective: it’s fabulous. And still very young – this is a wine that will age well too, given its natural vibrancy and tension.’

97 POINTS | NZ WINES OF THE YEAR LIST & BEST WINEMAKER | SUSIE & PETER NEW ZEALAND WINES OF THE YEAR | JANUARY 2026

Five stars - Michael Cooper

96 James Suckling

96 Bob Campbell

Top Scoring Marlborough Chardonnay - Vinous

2022 Vintage: Rated 95 points, described as a, "Top Rank: #1 2022 Marlborough Chardonnay" with grapefruit, saline, and yeast lees notes.