A wine from Hawke’s Bay, in a vintage that will be remembered for COVID-19 but also for its excellent quality. A bright copper-yellow in the glass, with aromatics that reflect the name…vanilla scented oak, spice, butterscotch as well as bags of stonefruit and citrus coming through. Medium to full bodied and with a rich, ripe and broad palate. Boldly oaked and with a zesty acidity atop that ripe lemon, peach and pear fruit flavour. Beyond the opening punch, the wine has a pleasing texture, and simple, slightly sweet and brash caramel notes. An easy-drinking old-school rendition that does what the name suggests, but lacks some depth and finesse. 88pts
The Hunting Lodge Oak-spoken Chardonnay 2020
