A Hawke’s Bay blend of Chardonnay from their vineyards plus some Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc from Maraekakaho – banged together to make an ideal crisp summer white – something I love, but are all too often only found at Cellar Doors. The label is illustrated by Joanne Ho, an Auckland artist.
A pale gold, with a coppery edge in the glass. Bright aromatics, and takes a chill very well – with peach, apricot, white pepper, satsuma, cardamom, white cherry and pear. Brimming with character and texture, and with oodles of ripe fruit sitting across the palate. There’s nothing too complex about this drop – the Pinot Gris adds some lovely ginger spice and the other varietals chip in too; but it is smooth, lush and tropical – just a lovely 5 o’clock summer wine. The finish is dry, with a nibble of tannin and spice. 91pts
