Coming mostly from their Doc’s Block vineyard at Haumoana, plus a bit from Mangatahi and Te Awanga – and a great (albeit COVID-hit) vintage for the region. Pale golden yellow in the glass. Not shy on the nose – bursting with flinty, smoky flavours of nectarine, grapefruit, baguette crust, red apple, ginger, lemon peel and popcorn. Richly concentrated but medium-bodied and agile into the palate. A dash of salinity and oyster shell minerals reflect the site – the coastal Chardonnays are really shining through in this region – with a bright acidity and drive. Great character throughout, and with a lovely pithy texture to round things out. Nice weight to the lasting, drying finish. 93pts
Te Awanga Quarter Acre Chardonnay 2020
