A Chardonnay from Te Muna Road on the outskirts of Martinborough. A pale golden-green colour in the glass. The perfume is brightly vibrant, with just a nip of reductivity, plenty of barrel spice, almond, vanilla and salted caramel. The palate shows a balance of crisp acidity, plush citrus and stonefruit, cardamom and white pepper. As you progress, the boldness of the nose ebbs away and a delicacy and texture takes over. Still with a linear aspect, the finish is quite different from the opening – ending up lighter and quite elegant. Intriguing stuff. 92pts
Butterworth Te Muna Chardonnay 2022
