Cable Bay Waiheke Island Chardonnay captures the essence of its island home — vibrant, mineral, and effortlessly refined. Hand-crafted from low-yielding, ocean-kissed vines, it reflects Waiheke’s volcanic soils and maritime influence in every golden glass, offering an elegant balance of texture, freshness, and coastal salinity.
Tasting Notes & Experience
Expressive aromas of lemon blossom, peach, melon, and earthy clay pot lead into a fresh, finely focused palate. Layers of tree fruit and subtle oak richness intertwine with saline minerality and a gentle phenolic texture, culminating in a long, poised finish of depth and purity.
Key Details
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Winery: Cable Bay Vineyards
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Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
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Region: Waiheke Island, New Zealand
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Vintage: 2021
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Alcohol: 13%
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Volume: 750 ml
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Other: Sustainable Winegrowing; wild-yeast fermentation; barrel-aged on lees
Craftsmanship & Story
Cable Bay Vineyards, a pioneer of Waiheke Island viticulture, crafts wines of precision and place. From hand-picked fruit grown on steep, mineral-rich volcanic slopes, this Chardonnay is whole-bunch pressed and wild-fermented before maturing on lees in seasoned French oak. The result is a wine that marries creamy texture with a distinctly coastal freshness — a hallmark of Waiheke’s maritime terroir and the winery’s sustainable ethos.
Special Features
This is a Chardonnay of elegant restraint and natural vitality. Its subtle oak influence, salinity, and citrus-driven purity deliver both sophistication and charm. Crafted without new oak to preserve delicacy, it’s a shining example of modern New Zealand winemaking rooted in authenticity and terroir.
Recognition & Accolades
Praised by critics for its refinement, texture, and sense of place.
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94/100 Points – Cameron Douglas MS (2021 vintage)
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93/100 Points – Stephen Wong MW, The Real Review (2021 vintage)
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92/100 Points – James Suckling (2021 vintage)
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4.5 Stars – Michael Cooper (2021 vintage)
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Silver – New World Wine Awards (2021 vintage)
These honours confirm its standing as one of New Zealand’s most elegant and site-expressive island Chardonnays.
Food Pairings
With its creamy texture and mineral drive, this Chardonnay pairs beautifully with seared scallops in garlic butter, roasted chicken with herbs, or mushroom risotto. The wine’s saline edge complements freshly shucked oysters, while its nutty undertones shine alongside mild, creamy cheeses like Brie or aged Gouda — a seamless reflection of land and sea.
Perfect for Gifting or Sipping
Evocative and sophisticated, Cable Bay Waiheke Island Chardonnay makes a refined gift for lovers of coastal elegance and fine craftsmanship. Perfect for relaxed luxury dining or thoughtful celebration.
Fast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery
Order online for fast NZ delivery. Lovingly packed with a selection of stylish packaging and a personal message option to complete the perfect gift.
