From fruit at the Wairarapa home estate vineyard, I first tasted this at the winery last summer. A light golden yellow, some green towards the edges. Ripe and opulent on the nose – peach and melon show alongside bright citrus and a cashew nut top note. Dynamic into the palate, flying on a wing of acidity through a core of lemon, nectarine, pineapple and a savoury nip of roast fennel, with fresh green herbs like tarragon and chamomile. Lightly spiced with cardamom and nutmeg, with a little vanilla showing from a toasty barrel influence. Complex, layered, with a generous lengthy finish. 93pts.
Matahiwi Holly ‘South Series’ Chardonnay 2019
