Palest green-yellow in the glass; with bright, toasty-smoky aromas – the ‘modern’ New Zealand Chardonnay on the nose – flinty, slightly smoky oak, citrus, peach, roast cashew and grapefruit. Medium-weighted, nicely complex (certainly, for the price) with layers of interest and a crisp, spritely acidity. The juicy, ripe palate heads into a creamy texture, packed with vanilla custard, creme brulée flavours to the finish. Nicely placed between ‘old’ and ‘new’ school chardonnay styles, and likely to be popular with both. 90pts.
Awatere River ‘Louis Vavasour’ Chardonnay 2018
