Alpha Domus The Batten Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2024 $44 
I cannot stress this enough. The Batten 2024 is my Chardonnay of the year so far, and if you’re a Chardonnay fan or Chardonnay collector, you must beg, steal, borrow, barter, do whatever it takes to get your mits on this vintage as soon as you can. It is beyond delicious. Roasty, toasty and all the mosty – this characterful, organically-grown chardonnay is named after New Zealand’s famed aviator Jean Batten (1909-1982) and is made by the incomparable Barry Riwai. Barry is Chardonnay aristocracy, having earned his stripes while working with Tim Turvey at Clearview Estate for many years before leading the talented team at Alpha Domus. Only the best Bridge Pa-grown berries were selected and bursting with butterscotch notes from a 100% malolactic ferment, the wine has caramelised characters coursing through its veins. Baked nectarine and smoked cashew characters lead to a rich, succulent, fleshy, fabulous finish. It’s unputdownable basically. Alpha Domus
