Announcing the Hawke’s Bay Annual Chardonnay Collection Vintage 2022 – Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers are thrilled to announce the outstanding success of twelve Hawke’s Bay Chardonnays selected by Cameron Douglas, MS, for the fourth year running of the prestigious Hawke’s Bay Annual Chardonnay Collection Vintage 2022.
After careful consideration, from a pool of forty-two submissions, these exceptional wines represent the pinnacle of the 2022 vintage, embodying the distinctive characteristics that define Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay. Each bottle tells a story of dedication, innovation, and a deep-rooted passion for wine-making excellence. Without further ado, the selected wines include:
- Askerne Chardonnay 2022
- Askerne Reserve Chardonnay 2022
- Bilancia Kaikora Vineyard Chardonnay 2022
- Church Road Grand Reserve Chardonnay 2022
- Craggy Range Les Beaux Cailloux 2022
- Craggy Range Kidnappers Vineyard Chardonnay 2022
- Elephant Hill Sea Chardonnay 2022
- Paritua “Willow” Chardonnay 2022
- Smith & Sheth CRU Heretaunga Chardonnay 2022
- Squawking Magpie Counting Crows Chardonnay 2022
- Squawking Magpie Terraces & Gravels Chardonnay 2022
- Tony Bish Skeetfield Chardonnay 2022
Cameron Douglas, MS, was impressed with the calibre of the wines from the 2022 vintage:
“I reaffirm my statement from this time last year after sampling the Hawke’s Bay Annual Chardonnay Collection, asserting that these wines rival many I’ve encountered from international producers, including those from Burgundy. As a wine taster and connoisseur of all things beverage-related, Chardonnay remains one of the most fascinating and complex varieties that excites me. This year’s challenge once again showcased the diversity of styles present in Hawke’s Bay and perfectly encapsulated the essence of the 2022 vintage.”
The 2022 Collection showcases outstanding quality, presenting a diverse range of styles that reflect the unique terroir of various subregions within Hawke’s Bay, and attests to the remarkable expertise and skill of the collection’s winemakers.
Chardonnay continues to hold a significant position as a key regional varietal for Hawke’s Bay, boasting an internationally recognized reputation for quality. To further enhance this standing, the Annual Chardonnay Collection 2022 will be disseminated to wine media worldwide, highlighting the excellence of Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay.
Congratulations to all wineries, producers, and teams involved in crafting the Annual Chardonnay Collection for the 2022 Vintage. Their dedication and passion contribute to solidifying Hawke’s Bay’s esteemed status as one of the world’s Great Wine Capitals.