Chardonnay from New Zealand - Central Otago & Waitaki
Review Date : 30-Aug-2023
Bright, even, pale yellow with a light green sheen. The nose is elegant yet powerful, with aromas of stonefruit and citrus melded with roasted hazelnut and delicate spice. Medium-full bodied, aromas of apricot and nectarine entwined with Mayer lemon and zest, toasted hazelnut, a hint of pastry and a light dusting of white spice. The polished mouthfeel has a delicate phenolic coating; fine acidity persists, and a captivating long finish. This elegant Chardonnay possesses concentration, a fine mouthfeel, succulent fruit and a lengthy finish. Match with butter-poached scampi and roasted rabbit over the next 6-8 years. Fruit from Defiance vineyard, whole bunch pressed to tank before transferring to French oak barriques for fermentation, aged in oak for 9 months, 31% new oak, underwent full MLF and regular lees stirred. 14% alc. 19/20 pts (95 pts) Aug 2023 RRP $34
