Chardonnay from New Zealand - Canterbury & Waipara
Review Date : 17-Apr-2023
Bright, pale straw yellow with some depth, even colour throughout. This has a wild, earthy bouquet with aromas of citrus, bread dough, clay, hazelnut butter, underlying stonefruit and saltiness. Medium-light bodied, aromas of Meyer lemon and tangerine entwined with apricot, jalapeno, roasted cashew, chalk, clay, sourdough and a hint of saline. The palate is focused and expressive, smoothly creamy on the entry, then adorned by chalky minerals and an earthy textural line. Taut acidity carries nutty and spicy elements persisting good energy, earthy minerals and a long, enlivened closing. This earthy Chardonnay shows power and precision with complex layers and interests. Match with roasted quail with truffle and sea urchin chawanmushi over the next 6-8 years. Foot stomped, whole bunch pressed, fermented with vineyard yeast to 14% alc, aged in French oak barrels for 20 months on less, then further aged 6 months in stainless steel on light lees. Unfined, unfiltered. Biodynamic certified. 19+/20 pts (96 pts) Apr 2023 RRP $125
