New Zealand chardonnay producers are playing to their strengths and the results are impressive, writes John Saker.
Slender, sophisticated, full of vitality... the star of the show has a distinctive personality. It leads with a white pepper scent reminiscent of expressions from Montrachet (a white Burgundy appellation), and is accompanied in the mouth by lively spice (smoked paprika) and saline notes.
It is a wine with intensity, freshness and length. “It’s an impressive, international style. It has amazing vibrancy, which gives
it a stand-alone quality,” said panel chair John Belsham. Having said that, he felt a fine food match would be roast chicken served with creamy mushrooms.
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6This is the product of another vineyard (the Clayvin) where chardonnay excels. …
7Lifted, smoky gunflint scents set up what is a funky ride. This …
8Villa makes it a Top 10 triple with this latest rendition of …
9Winemakers Matt Thomson and Hamish Clark source some terrific fruit from the …
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