The Reed Chardonnay comes from the Waihopai Valley and was fermented in barrel with native yeasts and aged for a further 11 months in barrel before bottling. A classic reductive nose with aromas of flint, intense lemon, and brioche. Very concentrated with mouth-watering citrus, hints of spices, and a subtle smoky note into the long finish.

18 pts "Seductive and well-judged ‘reductive’ (smoky, struck-match) aroma and really toasty as it opens up, something cedary. Very Coche Dury but, most importantly, there is the fruit intensity to carry off this winemaking style. Nutty, creamy, mealy citrus. So many things going on that it makes you slow down to try to enjoy all this complexity. Deep, deliciously fresh and incredibly persistent with an aftertaste of savoury/mineral citrus. Worth every penny of its NZ price of $45 (from the producer's website). Classy and got better and better over the few days post opening." – Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com (Jan 2022) 

94 pts "The 2020 Chardonnay Reed Vineyard is fermented in barrels, of which 40% are new. The wine is then left alone with just the occasional top-up. Winemakers Matt and Sophie Thomson call it “lazy winemaking” with tongues firmly in cheek. The result is a wine of excellent purity, offering up nectarine and lemon fruit flavors; full solids have imbued a distinctive flinty note, while the savory, nutty character derived from the wood adds layers and will integrate further with another year in bottle." – Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous (Mar 2022)