Smith & Sheth, CRU Albarino Heretaunga 2023

CRU Albarino Heretaunga 2023

Smith & Sheth | Hawkes Bay, New Zealand

Grape Variety: Albarino
Alcohol: 13% ABV

The Story

Smith & Sheth is the visionary collaboration between Master of Wine Steve Smith and US environmentalist Brian Sheth. Based in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, they create the CRU label—celebrating terroir, heritage, and meticulous craftsmanship. They operate as a modern-style négociant, sourcing exceptional fruit from regions across New Zealand, including Bridge Pa Triangle and Magatahi, under the Aotearoa New Zealand Fine Wine Estates umbrella.

Vineyard & Winemaking

Region: Hawkes Bay

Tasting Notes:

Radiant straw-yellow with golden hues, this Albariño offers an elegant nose of lime zest, ripe peach, mandarin, honeysuckle, and a whisper of saline minerality. On the palate, you’ll find a beautifully weighted, medium-full body with stone fruit depth—think peach and baked apple—woven with citrus, spice, and creamy lees textures. A bright, finely structured acidity and mineral thread lead to a lingering, chalky finish.

Crafted with 58% tank and 42% barrel fermentation (old French oak), including portions of indigenous yeast and malolactic fermentation, it spends nine months aging on lees before bottling.

Food Pairing

Pairs beautifully with seafood, soft cheeses like chèvre or feta, fish pie, or grilled kebabs—best enjoyed from now through 2029 when richer texture and complexity deepen further.

Cellaring & Service

Cellaring Potential: 3-5 years

Serving Temperature: 13–15°C

Allergens: This wine contains sulphites

Accolades

• Rated Excellent, 94/100 by Cameron Douglas MS, praised for its weight, texture, and style with stone-fruit, saline lift, and mineral nuance.

• Decanter: A classic expression with silky peach, vibrant acidity, and a citrus‑mineral finish