Man O' War Waiheke Island Valhalla Chardonnay 2024

Man O' War Valhalla Chardonnay 2024 is a lean, flinty, single-island Chardonnay from Waiheke.

Pure NZ Excellence | Waiheke Island | Cellar-Worthy

Tasting Notes

A striking expression of coastal Waiheke. The nose is tight and flinty, offering layers of struck match, white grapefruit, lemon pith, and crushed seashell. Subtle hints of orchard blossom and grilled peach sit beneath, wrapped in a cool, maritime lift. On the palate, Valhalla is razor-sharp and direct, driven by citrus and green stone fruit over a firm spine of acidity. The lack of malolactic fermentation preserves clarity and tension, while the absence of lees work ensures a lean, chiselled texture. Oak provides quiet structure and nuance, a frame rather than a flavour. Long, saline, and refreshingly austere, the 2024 Valhalla is a cerebral Chardonnay, precise, elemental, and unmistakably site-driven.

A taut, mineral, site-driven Waiheke Chardonnay for lovers of the lean, flinty style.

Why you'll love it: If you lean towards crisp, mineral whites over rich and buttery ones, this is your Chardonnay, taut and saline and made for fresh seafood.

The Process

100% Chardonnay, hand-picked from coastal and elevated estate blocks on Waiheke. Made with no malolactic fermentation and no lees stirring, then aged eleven months in barrel, a minimal approach that preserves the wine's linear, mineral drive.

About Man O' War

Man O' War sits on the rugged eastern end of Waiheke Island, farming the largest vineyard holding on the island across warm clay and volcanic hillside sites cooled by constant sea breezes. The estate takes its name from the 19th century ironclad warships, a nod to the Kauri masts once sourced from this coast. Fruit is hand harvested from many small parcels and made site by site, giving genuine, restaurant-quality wines that carry the maritime character of their place.

Perfect with fresh oysters, ceviche, or grilled white fish. The taut acidity and saline edge are made for fresh seafood and raw bar dishes.

Explore more at our Chardonnay collection, or call or text Laura on 021 591 500 for a personal recommendation.