A salute to Hawke’s Bay pioneer, Tom McDonald, Church Road TOM wines capture the passion for a craft that has been respected and refined for 125 years.

The wines are testament to Church’s Road’s restless ambition for ultimate quality and no effort is spared at each step in the winemaking journey. From the careful management of the vineyards in the Tuki Tuki Valley, Gimblett Gravels and Bridge Pa Triangle, to the masterful winemaking under Chris Scott, Church Road TOM wines are the culmination of the collection experience and understanding of the team, past and present.

An elegant and layered Chardonnay with underlying drive and great textural focus. Aromas of fragrant citrus, acacia blossom and ripe stonefruit are overlaid with complexities of roasted hazelnut, warm pastry, oak spice and hints of hot stone and gun smoke. The palate is finely structured with a subtle creaminess through the mid palate and an overall sense of substance and power that is delivered with a focus that suggests litheness rather than weight. This is enhanced by a slate like mineral feel that draws out the finish. With careful cellaring we expect this wine to continue to mature gracefully for 6 years or more from vintage date.