We are elated to announce the outstanding results from the 2023 Aotearoa Regional Wine Competition. Lake Chalice Wines have won not one, but three trophies for the 2020 Lake Chalice Plume Chardonnay. This outstanding wine was named Best White Wine, Champion Chardonnay, and Marlborough Regional Winner at the 2023 Competition and we couldn’t’ be more delighted. 

Fruit for this wine was sourced exclusively from a single vineyard in the Lower Waihopai Valley, Marlborough. This vineyard is meticulously looked after by Peter and Anne Reed. The fruit was hand harvested and then gently whole bunch pressed to tank before immediately going to barrel. It spends very little time in tank – only hours, compared to days settling for our other parcels. 

The wine then goes through a wild primary fermentation followed with a wild malolactic fermentation, where it is stirred on its lees before completion and then left to settle naturally in barrel for close to 10 months. Winemaker Chloe Gabrielsen describes creating this Chardonnay as a blank canvas. “We’ve selected only the very best barrels from within the batch. Each barrel adding a layer of complexity to the blend because we have so many components to choose from, adding different aspects of oak influence from the coopers, texture from oak or solids and flavour profile from the fermentations.” Creating this special release Chardonnay is less work, more play. 

This delicious Chardonnay has complex aromas of flint and roasted hazelnut, with a touch of cinnamon and sandalwood. A full round palate showing preserved lemon, minerals, and a touch of cream. The texture is silky smooth reminiscent of wet stone followed by toasty notes and a long persistent finish.

But wait… there’s more!

Not only did our 2020 Plume Chardonnay place brilliantly in the competition, our Lake Chalice Falcon Sauvignon Blanc 2023 also placed with an impressive Gold Medal fresh after its release date. This accolade is a brilliant beginning for the 2023 vintage following our 2022 release which was awarded five gold medals / 5-star ratings over the past year. The Lake Chalice Falcon Sauvignon Blanc 2023 has lifted aromas of gooseberry and herbaceous thiols with distinct notes of attractive flintstone.  The palate is Fresh, clean, and bright with a mineral finish. The palate shows generous ripe passionfruit, blackcurrant bud, and hints of lychee, leaving a refreshing and long aftertaste.

Chloe and the team are immensely proud of how these wines have placed in the Aotearoa Regional Wine Competition, especially to see that the 2020 Plume Chardonnay continues to impress wine professionals around the world. We are looking forward to the 2023 wine show season and seeing how our wines are reviewed by esteemed wine professionals across New Zealand.