Chardonnay “Escaroth” Marlborough 2021 – Blank Canvas

The “Escaroth” vineyard is home to dedicated growers Andy and Kyna Laurie. Situated in the Taylor Pass subregion of the Southern Valleys, they first planted vines on their land at the turn of the Millennium. The Chardonnay is 100% Clone 95, which Matt and Sophie love for its elegance and aromatic complexity. The plot is on the highest part of the vineyard, nestled on a beautiful north facing slope. It is dry-farmed and tended by hand.

Blank Canvas is the vinous studio of award-winning international winemaking consultant Matt Thomson and Master of Wine Sophie Parker-Thomson. With over 40 years of collective experience in the global wine industry, they produce small batch fine wines from exceptional single vineyard sites throughout New Zealand under their art-meets-science project. Matt has worked over fifty vintages in numerous wine regions around the world and has worked with David Gleave since 1994. Sophie has been travelling to Europe and working with Matt since 2011, leaving her career in law behind her. This international experience is the founding inspiration for this husband-and-wife team.