Smith & Sheth CRU Heretaunga Chardonnay 2019

Steve Smith MW has a formidable reputation in the wine industry: renowned for establishing Craggy Range in Hawke’s Bay and Martinborough, he is also one of few qualified Master of Wines to be based in New Zealand. Brian Sheth, from Austin Texas, is an investor and wildlife conservationist, with a strong affiliation and love for New Zealand. They met in Hawke’s Bay over a glass of Chardonnay and quickly found common ground in their love for fine wine, Aotearoa New Zealand and enjoying life’s pleasures.

In 2014 Steve and Brian realised their vision of founding a wine dream together, to craft impeccable wines from vineyards of exceptional quality and to create experiences where they could share these wines with like-minded people: "The French call it "terroir" – a sense of place. In New Zealand we have our own defining word - Tūrangawaewae - our place to stand in the world. This word describes the special connection of a people and the land they live, love and work in. Our wines reflect the magic and alchemy of this relationship and the true beauty of these places."

Vineyards are located in Marlborough — some of the oldest vines in the Wairau appellation where the Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc story began back in the 1980s — Central Otago, and three separate locations in Hawke's Bay (Heretaunga): Howell, Mangatahi, and Omahu in the world famous Gimblett Gravels.