Major price for Hawke's Bay chardonnay

Hawke's Bay vineyard Clearview Estate is set to release what may be New Zealand's most expensive chardonnay.

Owner-winemaker Tim Turvey said The Endeavour -- the winery's "absolute pinnacle" chardonnay -- would be sold in 1.5l magnums, for $200.

Asked if that made it the country's priciest chardonnay, Mr Turvey said: "I hope so."

With quality rather than demand determining when The Endeavour would be made, Mr Turvey said a release could be a one-in-15-year event.

He would not specify how many of the magnums -- double the size of the usual 750ml wine bottle -- would be available but said the 2002 inaugural vintage would be a very limited release.

- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY