Te Mata Elston Chardonnay

Produced since 1984, Elston is an outstanding New Zealand Chardonnay, grown at Te Mata Estate's oldest vineyards on the hillsides above the winery. It is rich and complex with flavours of fresh pineapple, white peach and nougat.

Ranked 4th in out of 100 in the James Suckling Top 100 Value Wines of 2025.

Winemaker notes

2024: Sparkling with a pale white-gold hue, Elston ’24 immediately reveals its richness on the nose. Aromas of crème brûlée, toasted sourdough, and vanilla intertwine with vibrant notes of grapefruit and ripe yellow nectarine. Subtle layers of oyster shell, hazelnut, and flintiness add further complexity and intrigue. On the palate, it delivers a commanding presence – rich and textured yet finely balanced by a spine of electric acidity building delicious tension. The vivacious fruit sweetness combines elegantly with an energetic drive, creating a wine of remarkable elegance and fantastic length. The 2024 vintage captures Elston in its ultimate form.

2024

James Suckling 97: Focused and textured, showing sliced apples and lemons with hints of dried pears and crushed stones on the nose. Full-bodied with chewy phenolics that add to the salty, subtle fruit. Limes at the end. Structured and impressive, this is a beautiful follow-up after the terrific 2023. A powerful and rather muscular chardonnay that highlights the quality of the fruit. 100% barrel-fermented and aged 11 months. Drink or hold. Screw cap.