A new release from Bilancia – this Chardonnay has also been selected as part of the Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay Collection of 2019 wines showcase this year. A fine, bright pale green in the glass, with voluptuous aromas of peach, lemon blossom, roast cashew, pink grapefruit, and buttered toast. Ripe stone fruit and tropicals on the palate – pineapple, honeydew and quince balanced with a zest of kumquat, crisp nashi pear and nectarine.
Rich and intense, but with a drive of acidity that is pure linear energy. Complex, and develops beautifully on opening – I’d surely decant this. Plenty of vanilla oak influence – strudel, nougat and baking spices. A deliciously silky mouthfeel – unctuous yet with a stony minerality underneath. A floral, spiciness develops in the mile-long, sweetening finish. 97pts. Would rank among the best of any New Zealand wines.
