The 2025 Windrush Organic ‘Empire’ Chardonnay opens with intense aromas of wet stone and struck match, layered with ripe apricot, fresh citrus and a subtle touch of warm oak.
The palate is fresh and expressive, showing pink grapefruit, ripe melon and apricot, complemented by toasty hazelnut and hints of lemon zest. Respectful oak influence adds texture and balance to the finish.
Vintage
Vintage 2025 is considered an exceptional Marlborough vintage, characterised by slightly higher yields and near-perfect ripening conditions. Hot days in late spring and early summer were followed by cooler temperatures in January and February. This extended the ripening period and provided ideal hang-time for the fruit to gain aromatic intensity and balanced acidity, resulting in great flavour development.
Winemaking
Hand harvested on 15 March at optimal ripeness and whole bunch pressed with minimal sulphur additions, the juice was cold settled before being racked to French oak barrels (20% new). Fermentation occurred naturally with indigenous yeasts. Once complete, light lees stirring and malolactic fermentation added complexity and depth of flavour. Bottled early on 25 September to retain freshness and vibrancy.
About the vineyard
Established in 2016, our small vineyard at Gee Street in Renwick consists of 722 vines. What makes this site unique is that it was developed organically from the outset, rather than converted after establishment. We selected three Chardonnay clones for planting, led by clone 548, alongside smaller plantings of clones 1066 and 121.
Bottled: 25 September 2025. Released: March 2026
Tasting Note| Bottle Shot
The 2025 Windrush Organic ‘Empire’ Chardonnay opens with intense aromas of wet stone and struck match, layered with ripe apricot, fresh citrus and a subtle touch of warm oak.
The palate is fresh and expressive, showing pink grapefruit, ripe melon and apricot, complemented by toasty hazelnut and hints of lemon zest. Respectful oak influence adds texture and balance to the finish.
Vintage
Vintage 2025 is considered an exceptional Marlborough vintage, characterised by slightly higher yields and near-perfect ripening conditions. Hot days in late spring and early summer were followed by cooler temperatures in January and February. This extended the ripening period and provided ideal hang-time for the fruit to gain aromatic intensity and balanced acidity, resulting in great flavour development.
Winemaking
Hand harvested on 15 March at optimal ripeness and whole bunch pressed with minimal sulphur additions, the juice was cold settled before being racked to French oak barrels (20% new). Fermentation occurred naturally with indigenous yeasts. Once complete, light lees stirring and malolactic fermentation added complexity and depth of flavour. Bottled early on 25 September to retain freshness and vibrancy.
About the vineyard
Established in 2016, our small vineyard at Gee Street in Renwick consists of 722 vines. What makes this site unique is that it was developed organically from the outset, rather than converted after establishment. We selected three Chardonnay clones for planting, led by clone 548, alongside smaller plantings of clones 1066 and 121.
Bottled: 25 September 2025. Released: March 2026
Tasting Note| Bottle Shot
