Made by Kate Radburnd in tanks at cool temperatures, with no oak. ‘Sur Lie’ indicates that the wine is kept on the dead yeast cells (lie) – these are then stirred to add texture to the finished wine. A straw-yellow colour with fresh nose of crisp red apple, lemon and nectarine. Full of fruit and vitality – decently weighty, with a rich silky texture.
A busy rush of acidity adds tension… but the lack of oak, for me, leaves the palate unbalanced and wanting. An absence of spice or toasted nuttiness that a dab of oak brings (or if, perhaps, aiming for a Chablis style – then a mineral edge) feels shallow and unfulfilled. Not a bad wine at all – it’s vigorous and piquant, but it’s not what I’m expecting from a fine NZ Chardonnay – especially one from a great Hawke’s Bay producer.
