2023 Sato Wines La Ferme de Sato 'Le Chant du Vent' Chardonnay

Producer: Sato Wines  |  Region: Central Otago  |  Grape: Chardonnay

About the Wine

"Dried-apple and sliced-pear aromas with seashells and flint follow through to a full body with density and lightness at the same time. It develops beautifully in the glass with apple pie, smoke and hints of ginger. The persistent finish has just the right amount of bitterness and salted butter at the end. Drink or hold. Screw cap."⁠

96 points, JamesSuckling.com

True to its natural winemaking philosophy, no pesticides, herbicides, systemic fungicides, or inorganic fertilizers were used in the vineyard, and the only additive in the finished wine is a minimal 15 mg/L of sulfites added before bottling. 

About Sato 

“I can tell you the hype is fully deserved; the wines are beautiful, reflecting both the place where they’re grown and the fastidious but soulful approach of the vignerons. All the effort is clearly worth it.”

- Max Allen, The Australian Financial Review

Sato Wines, founded by husband and wife Yoshiaki and Kyoko Sato, is one of New Zealand’s most compelling wine producers. After studying viticulture at Lincoln University in 2006, the couple trained at Felton Road and with European greats like Philippe Pacalet and Jean-Yves Bizot, grounding their approach in tradition.

They launched Sato Wines in 2009, initially as a négoce project, and began planting their own vineyard, La Ferme de Sato, in 2016. Completed in 2019, their minimalist winery in Central Otago reflects their commitment to biodynamic and organic practices.

Snapshot

Region: Central Otago

Country: New Zealand

Vintage: 2023

Size: 750ml

ABV: 14.1%

Closure: Screw Cap

Grape: Chardonnay