Rabbit Ranch Chardonnay 2023 Wine Review

Natalie's Score: 90/100

Rabbit Ranch Sur Lie Chardonnay is a bright, light to medium-bodied dry white from the world's most southerly wine region, Central Otago, where the Cromwell Basin's ancient glacial riverbeds and light, stony soils give wines a distinctive mineral freshness that sets them apart from warmer-climate Chardonnays. Aged on its lees, the wine opens with appealing aromas of ripe golden apple, toasted almond, a delicate floral lift, and a faint savoury complexity that gives it real interest. The palate is crisp and lively, with bright citrus fruit, gentle creaminess from the lees contact, and a clean, refreshing finish. Serve it well chilled and enjoy through 2029. Rabbit Ranch is a collaborative venture, born from a group of vineyards that were once individually part of a historic Central Otago sheep station, with winemaker John Wallace of the acclaimed Chard Farm bringing his years of cool-climate Pinot and Chardonnay expertise to the label. The land's storied past as rabbit territory is more than just a charming name, as the original owner reportedly tried every means to rid the property of its prolific rabbit inhabitants before finally turning to viticulture.

Chardonnay food pairings: pan-roasted snapper with lemon and capers, creamy mushroom and leek risotto, triple-cream brie with honeycomb and toasted walnuts.

Perfect Pasta and Tomato Sauce Wine

This Rabbit Ranch Chardonnay 2023 was reviewed on April 11, 2026 by Natalie MacLean

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Please note that our reviews are based on a variety of sources: samples sent to our team, those we purchase in store, tasting events, those tasted in restaurants and while traveling domestically and internationally.

Recipes for Rabbit Ranch Chardonnay 2023

• Basic Basil Pesto
• BC SPOT PRAWN BISQUE
• Canadian Beef Top Sirloin Tostada
• Caramelized Pear filled with Cheese Fondue
• Chanterelle Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast
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