Wines Hawke's Bay Smith Sheth - Cru Heretaunga Chardonnay - 2019

Smith Sheth’s Cuvée Cru Heretaunga Chardonnay 2019 hails from Hawke’s Bay, one of New Zealand’s most prestigious wine regions. As a Chardonnay, this white wine likely embodies vibrant acidity alongside a complex profile of stone fruit, citrus, and subtle oak influences, all hallmarks of quality New World Chardonnay. The 2019 vintage enjoyed favourable conditions across much of New Zealand, allowing grapes sufficient sunlight for ripening while maintaining freshness. Fermentation and maturation may be partly carried out in oak barrels, imparting nuanced toasty, buttery or nutty notes, though careful winemaking in this region often preserves the grape’s natural brightness and purity.

Hawke’s Bay is celebrated for its varied microclimates, old river terraces, and fertile alluvial soils, which provide an excellent canvas for Chardonnay. The region is among New Zealand’s warmest, yet its proximity to the Pacific Ocean introduces cooling breezes, ensuring wines retain vibrancy and elegance. Chardonnay from this area is typically fuller-bodied and offers both generous fruit and refined minerality, shaped by the region’s ancient gravels. Hawke’s Bay viticulture dates to the 19th century, with modern producers like Smith Sheth helping raise its international profile.

Pair this wine with dishes that echo its balance of richness and freshness. Roasted chicken or grilled fish with lemon butter work wonderfully, as do creamy pasta dishes or risotto with seasonal vegetables. If you prefer a regional New Zealand touch, try it alongside green-lipped mussels, pan-fried snapper, or local cheeses. The wine’s acidity will cut through richer sauces, while oak notes complement roasted or savoury flavours.

For the best tasting experience, serve this Chardonnay well-chilled but not ice cold, ideally at 10-12°C. Decanting for half an hour can allow its bouquet to open more fully, revealing both fruit and gentle oak character. Enjoy within the next few years to appreciate its freshness, or consider cellaring for additional development in aroma and texture.