Craggy Range Kidnappers Chardonnay 2022 captures the coastal elegance of Te Awanga Vineyard. Pale straw in color, it offers oyster shell, sea spray, and cashew aromas. The palate is zesty and fresh, with lemon curd, subtle oak, and a mineral finish. Vibrant and focused with lovely phenolic grip.

JamesSuckling.com | JS 92
Published: Oct 21, 2023

Mineral and white pepper with oyster shell aromas to the cooked apple and pear character. It’s medium-bodied with lovely phenolics and focus. Drink now.

Craggyrange.com

The cool yet sunny environment of our Te Awanga Vineyard near Cape Kidnappers allows the development of intense Chardonnay flavours in the grapes, captured using traditional winemaking techniques seen in the Chablis region of France. 

Tasting Notes 2022
The wine’s colour transforms into a pale straw hue, instantly evoking the coastal essence of the vineyard. The bouquet carries hints of oyster shells, sea spray, and cashews, further reinforcing its seaside character. A sense of vibrancy and freshness on the palate is complemented by lively acidity that doesn’t compromise flavour. The taste of fresh lemon curd and subtle oak adds richness and makes for a delicious and invigorating palate.

Recommended Cellaring: 1 to 4 years from vintage

Vintage Detail
Very warm, early spring, with minimal frosts. The season transitioned to a warm summer with several rain events post-Christmas, attesting to a typical La Nina season.

Brix: 21.9 average

Production Level 39 hl/ha average

Hand Harvested 70%

Destemmed 30%

Fermentation Vessel Combination of French oak puncheon, foudre and stainless steel tanks

Fermentation Inoculated and Indigenous

Barrel Type French oak puncheons

New Barrel % 15%

Maturation 11 months

Fining Yes

Filtration Yes

Bottled Mar – 23

Alcohol 13

Residual Sugar <1

pH 3.34

Acidity 6.2 g/l