From vineyards to the side of Clearview at Te Awanga, planted by Tim and daughter Katie over 14 years ago with the idea of making wines together. (I’ve seen this Chardonnay has a new label, on social media this week – photo is of the 2018 wine)
A glowing golden hue in the glass, the 2018 Chardonnay is extroverted on the nose – sweet fruited, with peach, apricot, caramel and cashew aromas. Generous and concentrated on the palate – the fruit is intense – tropical melon, passionfruit, pineapple and orange zest. Seasoned with a fair dab of oak (2 and a bit years in 100% new French oak) flavour – but already just an integrated accent in the wine.
The texture is unctuous, rounded and lush. Acidity is vibrant but balanced – there’s a fabulous line to the back palate where some layers of mineral, and slightly savoury, tarragon and pithy elements lie in wait. Finally into a long, sweet, endless finish.
Structured to last for decade or more – but utterly delicious already. The richness is unashamedly old school, but crafted with such balance. This has to be up there with the very best wines of New Zealand. 97pts. One to treasure.
