The Riverblock is special because of what lies underneath the vines. While most of Central Otago is pure schist, this tiny one-hectare site near the Kawarau River sits on a rare seam of limestone. That unique geology gives the wine a specific mineral kick that makes it feel different to its neighbours.

The 2022 harvest was a long one, the longest on record for the estate. That slow ripening allowed the fruit to build up serious intensity. To capture that, the winemaking was kept raw and simple. The fruit was whole-bunch pressed and fermented wild in French oak, with no fining or heavy manipulation.

To taste, it hits that sweet spot between rich and racy. You get plenty of ripe peach and nectarine, but it is cut through with notes of lime curd and a savoury lemon-pepper spice. It has good texture and weight, but finishes clean and salty. A really solid example of cool-climate Chardonnay.