Esses
Abode Sparkling 2020 750ml

Finalist in New Zealand Sparkling of the Year. Winner to be announced 18 May 2026 - 94/100 - The Real Review

A Chardonnay dominant blend aged on lees for four years, this extra brut cuvée is refined with a chalky thread, the elegant fruit enriched by buttery autolysis and lends linearity. 94pts ~ Candice Chow Wine Reviews

Bright, pale yellow, even colour throughout. Fine and consistent bead. The nose is elegantly full, with aromas of lemon sorbet, pineapple, greengage, brioche, baguette crust and clarified butter. Medium-bodied, aromas of lemon sorbet and zest intertwined with pineapple, greengage, unfolding brioche, baguette, ginger and butter. The fruit is lifted and linear, supported by a gentle line of fresh acidity. Fine-textured, chalky mouthfeel carries lemon zest, which adds interest, hauling a dry, elegant, vivacious finish. A refined, sophisticated extra brut cuvée. Match with steamed blue cod with ginger & scallion and chicken terrine over the next 5+ years. 87% Chardonnay, 13% Pinot Noir, aged 4 years on lees, further 9 months in bottle. 12.9% alc, 4.48 g/l RS. Vegan friendly. 18.5+/20 pts (94 pts) Raymond Chan Wine Reviews

The highly refined, energetic 2020 vintage (*****) is a single-vineyard wine, hand-picked from 25-year-old Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines, and disgorged after more than four years on its yeast lees.  Light lemon/green, with a hint of straw, it has excellent vibrancy and delicacy, with intense, citrusy, cashew nut flavours and a tight-knit, very finely balanced, dryish, long finish.  Delicious stuff. - 5 Stars - Michael Cooper