Church Road
McDonald Series
The Church Road journey started in 1897 right in the heart of the beautiful Hawke's Bay region. Traditional techniques and great craftsmanship saw Church Road take an exceptional adventure in the wine industry through out New Zealand and across the world.
Church Road is the pioneer of the Hawke's Bay wine industry. They were the first to craft exceptional Bordeaux style red wines, holding an incredible 125 years of knowledge and experience.
Perfecting their range to showcase the highest standards for their wines is what has proven Church Road to make their mark on the international wine stage.
McDonald Series
The Church Road McDonald Series wine range is full of complex, textural wines that are full of character that celebrate the vision
and entrepreneurial spirits of their founder, Tom McDonald.
The line up
Church Road 'McDonald Series' Wines:
Church Road McDonald Series Chardonnay
A medium bodied, supple Chardonnay balanced by a fine seam of fresh acidity with beautifully ripe stone fruit, fresh citrus and subtle floral notes, overlaid with subtle complexities of gunflint, cashew nut, and freshly baked bread. Already drinking exceptionally well, with careful cellaring we expect this wine to continue to mature gracefully for 4 years or more.
Church Road McDonald Series Pinot Noir
Venturing from Hawke's Bay down to Central Otago, this Pinot is filled with textural and complex characteristics throughout the palate. A big fruit presence with a combination of true craftsmanship and traditional winemaking techniques shows a aromatic and rich Pinot that is pure class.
Church Road McDonald Series Syrah
A core of dark plum and berry fruit is overlaid with classic Hawkes Bay Syrah perfume of violets, exotic warm spice and cracked black pepper, supported by subtle oak toast. On the palate the wine is full bodied but fine textured with a gentle tannin structure a balanced acidity bring length and freshness. Well matched to a wide range of full flavoured game and red meat dishes.
Meet the Maker
Church Road Winery
Chris Scott, Church Road's Chief Winemaker since 2005, is also one of New Zealand's most highly acclaimed having been awarded New Zealand Winemaker
of the Year by Winestate Magazine in 2013, 2016, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Chris has worked at Church Road since 1995 working as a vineyard hand. By 2005, Chris was chosen as Church Road’s new head winemaker. Strongly believing in executing traditional techniques,
fruit depth and layers of texture to show the exceptional quality of Hawke’s Bay fruit, stands him apart in creating award-winning wines that are full of character.
Read our Meet the Maker interview with Chris Scott From Church Road Here.
