Gibbston Valley China Terrace Chardonnay 2013

Deep lemon-green colour with a hint of flinty smokiness and lime zest, roast chestnut and brioche on the nose. Medium-bodied and still with a juicy backbone of acidity. At the front of the palate there is peach, grapefruit and apple strudel, then moving into butterscotch, popcorn and marzipan later on. A lick of minerality (I often find this in Bendigo chardonnays) but fits neatly into the balance with a luscious texture, unfolding spice and a hint of toasty oak. A well-rounded example, showing subtlety and depth – nothing too complex or intense. With enough accents to reward the cellaring, I’d fit this into that ‘classic’ NZ chardonnay box, where the whole is greater than the parts. 92pts