From a couple of sites in Hawke’s Bay comes this pale gold coloured Chardonnay, bursting with perfumes of flinty mineral, apricot, brioche, lemon peel and caramel. Dry, with a dashing acidity that does a dance with the smoky oak character, giving a taut tension to what is a rich, ripe palate. Deep, lush peach, melon and charred sweetcorn flavours sit comfortably alongside a grassy, greener, saline freshness. Complex and with real personality – this producer doesn’t really do ‘boring’. Whilst the texture is buttery, with vanilla and breadcrumb, there’s also an intriguing petrol-like umami note lurking there too. Not your average. 93pts.
Te Awanga Quarter Acre Chardonnay 2018
