From grapes in the company vineyard comes this Chardonnay – an unusual find to get a wine from Waikato. A golden-green in the glass and on the nose, with abundant aromatics of grapefruit, golden peach, caramel and satsuma peel. Also a delicate floral note amongst the bigger perfumes. Barrel-ferment elements to the fore into the palate – warm, toasty oak is bold and evident. Generous, but not too much ripeness to the fruit. Complex and with plenty of layers of flavours – some green herbal flavours appear, with a little green olive and dried pear. Then a delicious yeasty brioche nuance, and even some popcorn and burnt butter emerge. This is really good. If I’d been told this was a top producer’s best wine I wouldn’t have been surprised. Finishes well, long and drying. 93pts
Takapoto ‘Crossing Point’ Chardonnay 2018
