A Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay, just released from the vintage that is remembered as being COVID-hit but of excellent quality. Pale green/golden colour. Vividly aromatic, with grilled pineapple, hazelnut, white peach, mandarin peel, preserved lemon and toasted baguette on the nose. Dry, elegant, with a youthful beauty and vibrancy. A balanced acidity gives a pure line through the palate that has equal parts weight and complexity, flow and grace. Some grapefruit pith, and minerality sits around the pristine fruit flavours. The oak is supporting, the presence discrete, framing the core with a subtle touch. There is a lemon curd creaminess in the texture, and some notes of nougat, oatmeal and brioche adding character and subtlety towards the finish. With many years to go, this wine unfolds beautifully now, with some time in the glass – or decant. 96pts (Score updated +1 after finding this wine even better after a couple of days opening)
Radburnd Chardonnay 2020
