Smith Sheth
Smith Sheth produces wines from Hawke's Bay, New Zealand's premier wine region on the North Island. The winery's portfolio centers on two varietals that thrive in the region's warm, maritime-influenced climate: Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc. The Cru Mangatahi Chardonnay and Cru Heretaunga Cabernet Franc represent the winery's core offerings, both rated 94 points by prestige critics including Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, Decanter, and Wine Enthusiast. A second Chardonnay expression, the Cru Howell Vineyard, rounds out the range at 93.5 points. Hawke's Bay's gravelly soils and diurnal temperature swings favor the development of ripe, structured wines with aging potential—characteristics evident in Smith Sheth's lineup. The winery's focus on single-vineyard and site-specific bottlings reflects the region's terroir-driven approach to winemaking.
Critics
Wine Spectator, Wine Advocate, Decanter, Wine Enthusiast