Summary: Red Hut is a collaboration between longtime friends and wine professionals Corey Ryan and Mike Farrugia, inspired by New Zealand’s iconic backcountry huts that offer shelter and connection. Drawing on deep industry ties, they source small parcels from standout subregions to craft contemporary wines with authenticity and character—wines that capture the real New Zealand, both in the glass and in the heart.

Winemaking: Fruit from two select Roy’s Hill vineyards was hand-harvested, chilled, and whole-bunch pressed into French oak barriques, 35% new. Natural fermentation occurred as the juice warmed, followed by 11 months of barrel maturation with lees stirring for two months. Minimal sulphur was added, and the wine was cold and heat stabilised before blending and bottling, with no further additions.

Vintage 2024: The 2024 vintage was outstanding for Chardonnay, marked by cooler, wetter spring conditions that reduced yields but concentrated fruit flavours. A warm, dry summer with low humidity and well-drained soils supported steady ripening and vibrant acidity. Cooler nights enhanced aromatic intensity, resulting in elegant Chardonnays with bright citrus and stone fruit notes, balanced oak influence, and a long, mineral-driven finish, showcasing Roy’s Hill’s excellence for premium Chardonnay.

Tasting Note: This Chardonnay showcases aromas of white peach, citrus blossom, and roasted cashew, leading to a textured palate of ripe stone fruit, gentle oak spice, and flinty minerality. Natural fermentation and extended lees aging add depth and complexity, balanced by bright acidity for a fresh, elegant, and structured wine with excellent aging potential.