This elegant wine offers complex aromas of zest of lemon and lime, citrus flowers and baking spices supported by toasted almonds, butterscotch and vanilla. Richly textured, the palate has fabulous flesh and power, finishing with lime zest flavours.

94 Points, Rebecca Gibb MW – Vinous

5 Stars, Bob Campbell MW

94 Points, Cameron Douglas MS

5 Stars, Michael Cooper

98 Points, Sam Kim 

The Riflemans Vineyard is set on a beautiful, elevated river terrace. Our grapes have always thrived there – and, in the early days, so did the birds. With no other food source for some distance they gorged daily on our precious fruit. We responded with equal fervour, brandishing shotguns while riding the quads or walking the block. When we’d successfully harvested and pressed to barrel, we chalked up ‘Shotgun Chardonnay’ on the barrelheads. When it came to bottling we decided on a more positive spin and called the wine Riflemans – the name of a little known native bird, whose Maori name, Titipounamu, means Little Greenstone.

13.5% abv.