The top tier of this under-rated label (Tietjen Witters) from Gisborne, this chardonnay seeing 18 months in barrel. A pale, bright golden yellow with green tinges in the glass. Richly aromatic, with toasted hazelnuts, citrus blossom, ginger and grapefruit. Generous on the palate, with a distinct vanilla, nutty oak influence.
Peach, honeydew and kumquat on the palate, with a zesty acidity that gives good drive to the wine. A buttery, lemon curd texture comes through in the back of the palate, and rounds out the structure nicely. Rich and opulent – the drier, spicy finish is framed by the cedary oak again. 92pts.
