Sealed under cork (and wax seal), this is the top tier of white wines at this Te Awanga vineyard in Hawke’s Bay. A vibrant golden-straw, with flashes of green at the edges, in the glass. Scents of nectarine, grapefruit, marmalade, coconut, hazelnut and lemon blossom florals. A vibrant, full-bodied wine, with heroic use of oak, giving a spicy, vanilla note on the palate. The acidity is bright, with a drive of saline crispness – cuts through that unctuous fruit to prevent cloying, and gives good clarity. The oak is eaten up by the fruit, and there’s a butterscotch, sensual fullness in the texture. Quite a lot going on here, with layers of flavours. The finish is rich, but precise and lengthy. 95pts
Clearview Endeavour Chardonnay 2018
