Kin is the second-tier label from Central Otago label Te Kano. It comes from a small block of Mendoza clone Chardonnay on their Northburn Vineyard. For a second tier wine, this still gets all the treatment – hand-picked and with about 20% in American oak – the rest in French oak. A bright lemon-green colour in the glass. The perfume has a burst of white peach, lemon peel, caramel, grapefruit and spring flowers. Into the palate is a swathe of generosity – that spicy oak setting the tone and framing the ripe fruit – quite golden and plush through the middle. The creamy texture at the core is contrasted by a quartzy acidity, leading to a dry, tight finish. For the price, this is excellent. 93pts
Te Kano ‘Kin’ Chardonnay 2021
