Sourced from three sites in Hawke’s Bay (in an excellent 2019 vintage) chosen for their specific contributions to the wine – each bottle comes beautifully packaged and labelled “Kate’s Best”.
A pale lemon-green in the glass, with a vibrant nose of pure citrus and florals. Grapefruit, golden apple, mandarin peel, with roast almond, nutmeg and baguette crumb. Taut, concentrated, tense. The generous palate brings tropical fruits – nectarine, honeydew and yuzu – with a toasty salted caramel edge from some oak influences – neatly tucked behind.
Linear, focussed, with a drive of acidity. A plush, oatmeally texture from extended lees stirring completes a delicious mouthfeel and leaves you wanting another sip. A lasting, elegant, drying finish. 95pts. Some great development potential – wait to drink for a few years.
I’ve heard you talk at events about your list of favourite New Zealand Chardonnays – will you share that with readers, and does this wine make the list?
Hahaha, nice try. Maybe you didn’t hear that’s it’s also something I keep to myself! So, no, you’ll just have to read the reviews and have a guess yourself!! Chardonnay is probably my favourite varietal though, and New Zealand does some absolute crackers.