2021 'The Raptor' Chardonnay, Lake Chalice

Flint Cream

This is a full-bodied Marlborough Chardonnay with bold flinty drive and plenty of ripe fruit underneath. Peach, lemon blossom and citrus peel lead the nose, followed by toasted biscuit, subtle oak spice, roasted nut and a smoky struck-match edge. It has richness and texture, but the style stays focused rather than heavy.

On the palate, it is creamy, layered and beautifully fresh, with stone fruit, lemon, flint and savoury oak detail moving through a long, balanced finish. Wild fermentation, French oak and malolactic fermentation give the wine depth and softness, while the Reed Vineyard fruit keeps the line crisp and mineral. A brilliant bottle for anyone who loves textured Chardonnay with freshness, polish and a proper flinty snap.

For when
Roast chicken needs a Chardonnay with depth and edge.

Pairs with
Roast chicken, pork belly, grilled turbot, scallops, lobster, mushroom risotto, cauliflower cheese, creamy pasta, Comté or toasted sourdough with whipped goat’s cheese.

Lake Chalice’s Raptor range is built around small parcels of standout fruit, with this Chardonnay sourced from mature vines in the one-hectare Reed Vineyard. Planted on an old riverbed in Renwick, the site’s shallow loamy soils and stony alluvium give excellent drainage and help produce the crisp, flinty character that defines the wine. It is a serious step up for Marlborough Chardonnay, combining vineyard precision with generous, food-loving texture.