Smith & Sheth CRU Chardonnay Howell Vineyard 2020

Smith & Sheth CRU Chardonnay Howell Vineyard 2020 is a finely tuned New Zealand Chardonnay with impressive depth, precision, and elegance. Sourced from over 20-year-old vines and crafted with a hands-on, sustainability-minded approach, it brings together intensity and refinement in a way that feels both modern and classically composed.

Tasting Notes
The wine shows a bright, pale straw color in the glass. On the nose, it opens with citrus, oyster shell, baked and ripe stone fruit, brioche, melted butter, cashew nuts, and a lift of wild flowers. The palate is silky and layered, balancing generous fruit with lively freshness. A subtle saline note on the finish adds length and finesse. This is a Chardonnay with the structure and balance to develop beautifully over the next five years or more.

Production
The Howell Vineyard is farmed with a strong commitment to sustainability and is home to mature Chardonnay vines over 20 years of age. Harvesting is done entirely by hand, and the grapes are whole-bunch pressed before fermentation in French oak barrels, 67% of which are new. The wine then matures for 11 months and is bottled without fining or filtration, preserving texture and character.

Food & Serving
This Chardonnay pairs beautifully with rich seafood such as lobster, scallops, oysters, or grilled fish, as well as roast chicken, creamy pasta dishes, and veal. Serve slightly chilled at around 10–12°C. Decanting is not essential, but a short aeration can help open up its complexity if enjoyed young.

Producer
Smith & Sheth builds on the legacy of Pyramid Valley, one of New Zealand’s most respected wine names, founded by Mike and Claudia Weersing in 2000. In 2017, Steve Smith MW and Brian Sheth took over and continued the estate’s biodynamic and terroir-driven philosophy, further expanding the range with standout vineyards in Marlborough and Central Otago. The producer has quickly earned a strong international reputation for wines of purity, detail, and site expression.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.