Dry River Chardonnay 2022
The Wine
94+ Pts Erin Larkin robertparker.com ‘The 2022 Chardonnay leads with a pure nose of white peach, almond kernel, preserved lemon rind and brine. In the mouth, the wine is svelte and precise, with a sophisticated flow of flavor in the mouth. This is really smart wine here, classy and powerful, but it's held back from reduction and sulfite, so it feels pure and unfettered. I like this very much. Classy. Crystalline, in its way. It feels to me as if the wine will develop and evolve gracefully over time. 13% alcohol, sealed under Diam.’ Drink to 2037
Available for pre-purchase now!
The Details
Variety - Chardonnay
Country - New Zealand
Region - Martinborough
Extra - Cork
Year - 2022
Volume - 750ml
About the Wine Maker 
Dry River is one of the founding vineyards in Martinborough. Established in 1979 by Dr Neil and Dawn McCallum, they planted a vineyard a on the very dry and free-draining area now called the ‘Martinborough Terrace’. Extremely low yields, non-irrigated vinProphets Rockes, innovative vineyard techniques and a desire to make long-lived wines have earned Dry River a reputation for being one of New Zealand's leading premium-wine producers.
In 2003, Neil sold the winery to Wall Street financier, Julian Robertson. The new owners provided the means for necessary winery expansion and renovation. In 2023, Dry River returned to New Zealand ownership, purchased by Wellington businessman Charlie Zheng. Charlie is deeply committed to honouring the Dry River heritage and its pioneering tradition.
Current winemaker Ben McNab (pictured above) called on in June 2025 to chat and pour the 2022 releases. Ben, formerly from Palliser Estate, was named the 2021 Tonnellerie de Mercurey Young Winemaker of the Year. As a third-generation farmer in the Wairarapa, he has a vineyard-led approach that is respectful of the traditions he inherits – ‘Martinborough doesn’t make bulk wine – it’s low yield, high quality, fine wine. You don’t make these equality wines from behind a desk – it’s a high-touch approach based on a very close relationship with the wine.’
It was such a treat to revisit these wines. They’re approachable now - the Pinot requires a decant - but as many of you know, all age very well too!
