One of my big discoveries of the last couple of years, and led by this particular wine, is Central Otago Chardonnay. Revisiting the 2019 vintage of this, after falling in love with the 2016 version for example, proves enlightening.
A pure golden-yellow in the glass, with enticing aromas of citrus, brioche, white peach and roasted cashew. More nuttiness and a flavour pack of nectarine and crisp comice pear on the palate – with succulent tropical pineapple, vanilla and melon. Quite youthful and still tightly bound despite the vivacious fruit, and the layers take a little time to unfold in the glass. Not obviously oaky, but with a biscuit and spice thread, and a silky texture that cloaks a satisfying depth.
Medium acidity – balanced and quenching, and a generous line that delivers to well-rounded and lengthy finish – polished off with a little more spice.
Overall, I’d rate this a little more complete than the ones from 2-3 years ago. Now grown from a pretty ingénue into a real star of the stage – accomplished, confident and with real panache. It rates, in my opinion, alongside many of its more northerly rivals and certainly deserves a little of the spotlight from the Maude stables illustrious Pinots diverting in its direction. Just delicious. 94pts. Excellent.
