Church Road TOM Chardonnay
the pinnacle expression of Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay, crafted only in exceptional vintages as a tribute to legendary winemaker Tom McDonald. Powerful yet impeccably refined, this flagship wine delivers density, minerality and graceful longevity, capturing both the strength and elegance that define New Zealand’s finest white wines. Tasting Notes & Experience
Brilliant pale gold in the glass, the bouquet reveals grapefruit zest, ripe peach and apricot layered with roasted hazelnut, warm brioche and a whisper of flinty minerality. The palate is full-bodied yet finely hed, flowing with baked apple, quince and citrus framed by a coarse-silk texture and judicious oak integration. A seam of fresh, saline acidity drives a long, creamy and beautifully composed finish that promises further complexity with cellaring. Key Details
- Winery: Church Road
- Varietal: Chardonnay
- Region: Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
- Vintage: 2020
- Alcohol: 13.5%
- Volume: 750ml
- Other: Gluten-free; Sustainable winegrowing Craftsmanship & Story
Established in 1897, Church Road stands among New Zealand’s most historic wineries, its modern reputation shaped by pioneering winemaker Tom McDonald. The TOM collection honours his legacy, produced only in outstanding years from the Tuki Tuki Valley’s finest parcels. Hand-harvested fruit, wild fermentations and extended lees ageing in French oak create wines of precision, texture and remarkable longevity, blending tradition with meticulous modern craftsmanship. Special Features
Individually numbered and typically presented in a branded gift box, TOM Chardonnay is designed for collectors and serious enthusiasts. Extremely low juice yields, wild primary and malolactic fermentation, and 11 months on full lees in French oak build depth without sacrificing finesse. The result is a cellar-worthy icon capable of evolving gracefully for six years or more from vintage. Recognition & Accolades
Consistently celebrated among New Zealand’s elite Chardonnays, the TOM range has received exceptional critical acclaim across multiple vintages:
- 97 Points & Best In Show – Decanter World Wine Awards (2020)
- 96/100 Points & 5 Stars – Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review (2020)
- 96/100 Points – Cameron Douglas MS (2020)
- 96/100 Points – Cameron Douglas MS (2021)
- 95/100 Points – Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review (2021)
- 5 Stars – Michael Cooper’s Buyer’s Guide (2021)
- 95/100 Points – Bob Campbell MW (2019)
- Double Gold – Domestic Wine Shows (2019)
These accolades affirm TOM Chardonnay’s status as one of Hawke’s Bay’s most distinguished and collectible white wines. Food Pairings
a natural partner for dishes that mirror its richness and savoury complexity. Butter-poached crayfish, seared scallops or roasted turbot highlight the wine’s saline minerality and toasted nuttiness, while creamy mushroom pasta or truffle risotto echo its brioche and hazelnut layers. Roast chicken with lemon and thyme or pork with apple glaze finds perfect harmony with its citrus drive and silky texture. Aged Gouda, Comté or nutty alpine cheeses provide a luxurious finish, allowing the wine’s leesy depth and elegant acidity to linger beautifully on the palate. Perfect for Gifting or Sipping
Individually numbered and produced only in exceptional vintages, TOM Chardonnay is an outstanding gift for collectors and discerning Chardonnay lovers. Equally suited to milestone celebrations or quiet cellar appreciation, it delivers both immediate pleasure and impressive ageing potential. Fast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery
Order online for fast delivery. Lovingly packed with a selection of stylish packaging and a personal message option to complete the perfect gift.