Address: 194 Clifton Rd., Te Awanga, RD 2, Hastings
Region: Hawke's Bay
Size: Small
CQI: 4.01 out of 5 (18 reviews)-.6
Exported to US: Yes
Website: www.clearviewestate.co.nz
Clearview Estate is from the Hawke's Bay region on the North Island and was co-founded by winemaker Tim Turvey. Any short list of the top Chardonnays from New Zealand will invariably include Clearview Estate. While most Hawke's Bay wineries are situated a few miles inland, Clearview is one of a small group of producers in Te Awanga, a stone's throw away from the pebble-strewn shoreline of the bay. The closeness to the water provides a longer growing season into the fall, allowing the grapes to stay on the vine longer and pick up greater intensity.
The lineup includes the top-rated Reserve Chardonnay as well as Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Gewurztraminer. There are also some very good Bordeaux blend reds: Enigma is Merlot and Malbec predominant while Old Olive Block is Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon predominant.