28 February, 2025
Normally that comes around any time after noon, could be any day of the week and is certainly something to look forward to. In this context, it is Chardonnay harvest time on our Omahu Vineyard.
This very special piece of land in the Gimblett Gravels is thriving now after almost three years of our regenerative viticulture program. There is a sense of energy and vigour in the vineyard, it feels alive, and today we harvested some of the most beautiful Chardonnay grapes… colours from gold to lime green, flavours from crystallised lemon to white nectarine and a lovely creamy vanilla, Golden Queen peach character.
The juice we pressed straight to barrel today, has the most perfect balance of sugar, acid and flavour. This small 0.9ha parcel contains four selections of Chardonnay and contributes to our Smith & Sheth CRU Heretaunga Chardonnay, and two special individual wines that we made for the first time in 2024.
Our Chardonnay is having a moment, and the 2023 Smith & Sheth CRU Heretaunga Chardonnay which will be released in April 2025, is deserving of that moment!
Steve Smith MW
Founder and Estate Director
Pyramid Valley, Smith & Sheth, Lowburn Ferry
Aotearoa New Zealand Fine Wine Estates.