A Hawke’s Bay wine, from a producer with a sensational track record of award-winning wines – this wine won the NZIWS Champion Wine of Show in 2016, and Clearview Estate are also the current holders of that award with their ‘Beachhead Chardonnay 2019’
A vivid lemon-green-gold in the glass. No shrinking violet, this is rich, upfront, and attention-grabbing. Bursting with vibrant, ripe fruit flavours of sweet mandarin, grapefruit rind, nectarine and a hint of popcorn. Acidity is similarly poised – brisk and with immense drive. Well-seasoned and framed with dashings of new oak and the rich fruit notes are supported by layers of complexity. Baking spices; savoury notes of preserved lemon and green olive; sweeter, textural elements like lime curd and peach ice cream. With the depth also comes a balance of being ‘interesting’ and simple deliciousness. It’s drinking easily and beautifully now, but will reward savouring and cellaring too. The finish is very long, with a drying, pithy finale. 96pts. I could see this getting more awards.
