2023 Limited Release 1203 Chardonnay
Our 1203 Chardonnay was born from a desire to create something truly special, a wine that embodies the essence of Marlborough’s unique terroir and our team’s unwavering craftsmanship. This wine represents more than just a vintage; it’s the culmination of our passion for the land and our dedication to winemaking. From clone selection and vineyard management to the winemaking process, every step reflects our commitment to excellence. The natural characteristics of Marlborough’s soils and climate have shaped this wine, offering a true sense of place.
Alcohol: 13.5% pH: 3.51
RS: 1.1 g/L TA: 5.1 g/L
- Regular price
- $44.99
- Sale price
- $44.99
- Regular price
-
Mount Stokes
Inspired by Mount Stokes, the highest point in the Marlborough Sounds, rising 1203 metres high, we crafted 1203 wines to reflect the boldness and rugged beauty of this landscape, showcasing the region’s distinct character in every bottle, delivering purity, depth and structure that stands the test of time.
Tasting Notes
This scrumptious Chardonnay presents a bright, inviting bouquet of ripe citrus fruits, complemented by notes of honeyed melon and toasted oak. On the palate, it reveals a creamy texture balanced by vibrant acidity, showcasing. flavours of fresh pear, subtle vanilla, and buttered brioche. The wine’s 15 months in French oak impart delicate spice and nuanced complexity, culminating in a long, elegant finish with a hint of mineral freshness. This Marlborough Chardonnay offers great structure and a precise acid line, and it will evolve gracefully over the next 5 to 7 years.
Winemaking
1203 Chardonnay is crafted from a selection of Chardonnay clones 95 and Mendoza. Hand harvested in the cool of the morning to preserve their fresh, vibrant characteristics. The grapes were gently whole bunched pressed, with the juice fermented and aged for 15 months in French oak barrique —50% new and 50% older. The careful management of malolactic fermentation contributes to the wine’s rich, creamy texture. Before blending, we tasted each barrel and selected the best only, to create 1203 Chardonnay.
Expert Opinions
2023 Vintage
95 Points (5 Stars)
"Gorgeously complex and enticing, the bouquet shows apricot, lemon peel, vanilla and roasted cashew aromas with a hint of oatmeal. The concentrated palate delivers outstanding weight and depth, beautifully framed by creamy mouthfeel and finely pitched acidity. Wonderfully harmonious and structured with a persistent, refined finish. At its best: now to 2033."
Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
2023 Vintage
4.5 Stars
Misty Cove 1203 Marlborough Chardonnay 2023 ★★★★½
Already delicious, but still youthful, this hand-picked wine was fermented and aged for over a year in French oak barriques. Mouthfilling and fleshy, it offers rich, ripe stonefruit flavours with biscuity and mealy notes adding complexity, and a creamy-textured, harmonious finish
MICHAEL COOPER - THE LISTENER
2023 Vintage
93+ Excellent
"A lovely expression with an enticing pure fruited bouquet showcasing grapefruit and apple, then some peach and fine lees ideas. There’s shape and form. On the palate a dry wine touches first with a satin cream and fine tannins frame accentuated by the acid line. Flavours of red apple and peach then grapefruit and baking spices from the kitchen cupboard. Youthful and taut still so cellar time is recommended with best drinking from late 2025 through 2029+."
CAMERON DOUGLAS, MASTER SOMMELIER
2023 Vintage
4.5 Stars
★★★★½
"Inspired by Mt Stokes, which towers 1203m above sea level over the Marlborough region, this wine is excellently energetic and aromatic, and wouldn’t we all like to be that? Well, chaps, each sip of this wine will help you get there, and with its gentle cashew and scorched nectarine complexity, peach and popcorn notes, and generosity of flavour, it’ll also get you a-hankering for coconut prawns with chilli and lime mayo. Drink now through 2030."