Chris Scott Wines Briny Wink Chardonnay 2024

Tukituki Valley, Hawke’s Bay The Briny Wink takes its name from a whimsical literary inspiration: Lewis Carroll’s 19th Century poetic personification of a wise old oyster, who winked his eye, shook his head, and chose to remain in his bed. It is a name aptly suggestive of the whispered influence of the ocean, past and present. The cooling sea breeze, the transformation of an ancient sea bed into the surrounding limestone crags (abundant with fossilised shells), and the slow erosion of those hills that has helped form the calcareous clay soils in which these Chardonnay vines now grow. This is the lightest, most ethereal of the trio of 2024 Chardonnays, almost Chablis like in its structure and fragrance. Aromas of lemon zest, acacia flower, citrus blossom, and flinty oystershell lead into subtly richer notes of fresh fig and a background lick of roasted almond. The palate is medium weight, gentle with an airy freshness yet not insubstantial. It finishes with a slate like dryness and a wisp of savoury salinity that draws out the palate. Expect The Briny Wink to age gracefully for 8 years or more from vintage date.