Chardonnay from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington
Review Date : 08-Aug-2022
Bright, pale yellow with depth and green hues, even colour throughout. The nose is distinctive, soft yet potent, penetrating aromas of oyster shell, citrus, stonefruit, meringue overlying struck match and a hint of nut. Medium-full bodied, concentrated aromas exploded with lemon curd, apricot unfolding spice, grapefruit zest and minerals, followed by whipped meringue, almond and toast. A dusty, chalky layer of minerals coated the palate in silk. The layers of flavour amalgamated by striking acid tension, carrying vibration and focus to a long, stimulating finish. This is an exceptional Chardonnay with excellent tension, concentrated fruit and an elegant mineral palate enriched by well-portioned barrel details. Match with butter-poached crayfish and caviar over the next 10 years. Fruit sourced from primarily home block on Te Muna Road, fermented in French oak puncheons, 20% new, 12.9% alc, aged 11 months in oak and a further 4 months in stainless steel, bypassed MLF. 19+/20 (96 pts) Aug 2022 RRP $40
