Tohu Whenua Awa Chardonnay

Tohu (pronounced tor-who) are Aotearoa’s first Maori owned wine company. This is their fancy looking and extremely fancy tasting Whenua range – Ngā hua a te whenua, our gift from the land.

These are their single vineyard wines and they put their best foot forward on anything labelled under the Whenua series (individual barrel assessment in the winery to make sure only the best fruit makes it). Using fruit from the Awatere Valley in Marlborough, and specifically the Awa River block vineyard, this is a Chardonnay they simply call ‘Flinty, fruity and generous’.

That’s not really doing it justice – this is kick arse Chardonnay worthy of the price tag!

Gold medal (International Wine Challenge, London)
“An absolutely delightful wine.”

5 Stars, 95/100 (Sam Kim)
“It’s powerfully graceful with layers of delectable flavours.”

5 Stars (Michael Cooper)
“Maturing very gracefully, the 2019 vintage (5*) was estate-grown in the upper Awatere Valley, hand-picked, and fermented and matured in old French oak puncheons. Bright, light lemon/green, it is mouthfilling and vigorous, with vibrant, peachy, citrusy flavours, fresh and strong, a subtle seasoning of oak adding complexity, and good acid spine. Showing excellent delicacy, harmony and length, it should be at its best 2025+.”

93/100 (Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review)
“Rich, intense chardonnay with white peach, spicy French oak, nutty yeast lees, vanilla and sizzled butter flavours.”

Drink now to 2027 and if you’re pairing with kai think white meats and seafood dishes.