Smith & Sheth Cru Heretaunga Albarino 2022

Smith & Sheth is a contemporary ‘négociant’ inspired by the original French négociants and British merchants who worked, using their connections, to create expert wines.

Founded in 2014, and based in Hawke’s Bay, they seek out the best grapes from the finest vineyards, establishing steadfast relationships with the land, growers and makers. Smith & Sheth source from private growers and their own estates in Bridge Pa, Omahu and Mangatahi: all sub-regions of the Heretaunga appellation. These vineyards, all on gravelly soils, have a long history of producing exceptional wines that truly represent the potential of Hawke’s Bay Syrah and Chardonnay.

Their Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from Marlborough, and Pinot Noir from Central Otago, but it is Heretaunga where they are based, which is their self-proclaimed ‘Tūrangawaewae’ - their place to stand in the world. Here, they make outstanding wines.

Hand-harvested and whole-bunch pressed to preserve purity and minimise phenolics. Fermented in predominantly old French oak barriques, with a portion undergoing wild fermentation and 30% completing malolactic. Aged nine months on lees before blending and a further month in tank. Bottled unfined for maximum expression.