A Waiheke Island wine, from the label’s top tier – sealed with a cork. The fruit is grown in a small plot on the Estate in the Onetangi Valley. A pale gold colour in the glass. The bouquet is varietally pure, and quite rich, with white peach, pear, vanilla, lemon peel, fig, ginger and hazelnut, with a touch of baguette crumbs too. There is a broadness to the palate, with a balance between fruit, toasty oak, acidity and a little phenolic tannin adding interest. A creamy texture then emerges and swaddles the back palate, mouth-filling and plush. A bit of spice – nutmeg and white pepper to the finish, which has good persistence. 93pts
Tantalus Cachette Reserve Chardonnay 2018
