Mission Reserve Chardonnay 2012 wins Gold at the 2013 New Word Wine Awards. One of only two Chardonnays to be awarded Gold.

The Mission Reserve Chardonnay 2012 is one of only two Chardonnays to win Gold at the 2013 New World Wine Awards. These Awards are exclusively for the very best wines retailing at under $25.

In total, a record 1,099 wines were entered from 157 wineries, with the Mission Reserve Chardonnay taking out Gold and a coveted place in the Top 50.

This recognition follows on from a Gold at the 2010 Awards, and marks 15 years of local and international acclaim for the classically crafted Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay.

Winemaker Paul Mooney first made the Reserve Chardonnay in the late 1990s. “The 2012 growing season was a challenging one,” he says. “We were fortunate to harvest perfectly ripe grapes, with great flavour and maturity, which enabled us to craft one of our finest Reserve Chardonnays. It’s pleasing to see this recognised at the Awards.”

Tasting notes

The aromas are complex and sweet, showing floral and stone fruit notes with hints of toast and citrus peel. The palate is very full, with a fine structure, long clean finish and a texture that is quite mineral in style. Drinking well now, through to 2015.

Food match

Daniel Jaritz, Restaurant Manager at the Mission Estate Restaurant, recommends pairing the Mission Reserve Chardonnay 2012 with one of his favourite dishes on the menu: Pan Roasted Honey & Thyme Glazed Chicken Supreme, Mushroom & Polenta Roulade and Spring Vegetables.

The Mission Reserve Chardonnay 2012 is priced from $20 - 25. Available at New World nationwide.