A wine with altitude as well as attitude, Peregrine is a family-owned, Central Otago winery, dedicated to the production of premium Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and a range of aromatic white wines. Located in the southernmost grape-growing region in the world at latitude 45° South, in Gibbston in Central Otago, organic farming is fundamental to every level of viticulture, with a holistic approach that integrates crop and livestock farming.
Peregrine Wines is named in honour of New Zealand’s endemic falcon, a bird without rival or fear. A bird that combines both power and finesse, the essence of Peregrine’s range of wines. Owner Lindsay McLachlan is a former international rugby referee, who controlled eight test matches during his career which ended in 1994 as the game was about to turn professional. His sons, Fraser and Blair are both involved in the family winery and played rugby, cricket and basketball up to the provincial age group level. Whilst no longer formally involved in the game, the rugby and refereeing fraternity is a tight group and current and former players and referees regularly visit Peregrine when visiting the deep South.
Imported into the UK by Sporting Wine Club, their Director, ex-England rugby international Simon Halliday, was originally introduce to the Peregrine Wines by English international rugby referee Wayne Barnes, who was recently in London to help launch some of the winery’s current vintages. A stunning range of wines across the board, their Chardonnay particularly caught my eye.
Peregrine Wines Chardonnay 2019, Central Otago, 13.5% Abv.
With a brilliant lemon and lime green sparkle, this wine absolutely bristles with energy and electricity. Perfumed and precise, it shows a wonderful dusty, stony precision, crushed limestone and delicate notes of oatmeal, vanilla pod , lemon grass and salted caramel biscuits. Lithe and elegant on the palate, but then the turbo charged acids kick in lifting the lemon and lime cordial fruits, accentuating the crystallinity, purity and precision. Simply outstanding, representing everything that is exciting and seductive about premium cool climate Kiwi Chardonnay. Drink now and over 3 to 8+ years.
(Wine Safari Score: 95/100 Greg Sherwood MW)