Misty Cove Limited Release 1203 Chardonnay

Tasting Note Misty Cove Limited Release 1203 Chardonnay

The nose is expressive and layered, with ripe aromas of peach, nectarine, and yellow apple, followed by fresh citrus nuances of lemon zest and grapefruit. Behind this, refined secondary aromas of vanilla, toasted almond, and light toast develop, complemented by subtle notes of butter and brioche, stemming from partial oak aging and bâtonnage.

On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with a creamy texture, featuring a beautiful concentration of ripe stone fruit and a soft, round entry. Fresh, vibrant acidity provides balance and elegance, keeping the overall experience exciting and fresh. The oak influence is perfectly integrated, adding complexity without overpowering. The finish is lingering, with nuances of citrus, creamy notes, and a refined spiciness.

Food Pairing

Misty Cove Limited Release 1203 Chardonnay pairs excellently with refined dishes that have a creamy or slightly buttery texture. Think of grilled chicken or turkey with a mild cream sauce, or seared salmon and scallops, where the creaminess of the wine complements the structure of the fish perfectly. This wine also forms a harmonious combination with creamy pasta, mushroom risotto, or dishes with roasted vegetables. Finally, it pairs beautifully with soft, creamy cheeses, where the fresh acidity provides balance and elegance.

Other information

The 1203 Chardonnay is part of the Limited Release series from Misty Cove, in which only the very best plots and barrels are selected to create a Chardonnay that reflects the essence of Marlborough's terroir. The name 1203 is inspired by Mount Stokes, which rises 1203 meters above the Marlborough Sounds and symbolizes altitude, purity, and character.

This wine is made from carefully selected Chardonnay clones and hand-picked in the cool of the morning to preserve the freshness and purity of the fruit. After gentle whole-bunch pressing, the must was fermented and the wine underwent 15 months of maturation in French oak barriques (50% new, 50% older barrels). The malolactic fermentation was carefully managed to obtain a creamy texture without losing the vibrant freshness.

Misty Cove is a boutique winery started by Andrew Bailey and his Dutch wife in 2008. They source their grapes from the best vineyards in Marlborough and Central Otago to produce pure and, above all, characteristic wines that have already distinguished themselves in numerous competitions. The company has a strong commitment to sustainability. Discover more wines from the Misty Cove winery.

Wine scores/awards

• James Suckling - 92 points (2023)
• 4.5 stars – Yvonne Lorkin (Dish Magazine)
• 93+ points – Cameron Douglas MS
• 4.5 stars – Michael Cooper (The Listener)
• 95 points / 5 stars – Wine Orbit (Sam Kim)