Smith and Sheth Cru Heretaunga Chardonnay 2018

Smith and Sheth's Cru Heretaunga Chardonnay is classy and elegant - almost Chablis-like in style.

Grapes for the 2018 vintage were sourced from the gravelly soils Bridge Pa, Omahu and Mangatahi vineyards and was hand-picked from 20 year old vines to ensure quality. The wine was aged for ten months in French barriques where it gained great complexity and texture.

Smith and Sheth (Steve Smith MW and Brian Sheth) share a love of fine wine and met in Hawkes Bay over a glass of Chardonnay. Steve Smith MW has a formidable reputation in the wine industry: renowned for establishing Craggy Range in Hawkes Bay and Martinborough, as well as being one of a few qualified Master of Wines to be based in New Zealand. Brian Sheth (hails from Austin Texas), is an investor and wildlife conservationist, with a strong affiliation and love for New Zealand. Together, they act as contemporary negociants, seeking out the best grapes from the finest vineyards, establishing strong relationships with the land and growers to craft wines with a true sense of place. The French call it 'terroir', while in New Zealand they have their own defining word - Turangawaewae - our place to stand in the world.