A complex and layered single vineyard Chardonnay from Waihopai Valley in Marlborough, made by the Blank Canvas duo Matt Thomson and Sophie Parker Thomson. It shows fleshy white nectarine and orchard fruit, alongside a flint-focussed precision on the palate, with a grainy and honeyed richness. It shows crystalline purity, with powerful savoury oak, and layered complexity.
The Reed vineyard is home to growers Pete and Anne Reed. Situated at the mouth of the Waihopai Valley, they first planted vines on their land in 2001. The soil is low-vigour clay, with a naturally dry micro-climate. The vineyard is planted solely with Clone 95 Chardonnay, a Burgundian clone that Matt Thomson thinks is ideally suited to Marlborough. It is flavour ripe at modest sugar levels, and retains its acid, a balance that Matt likes.