A Hawke’s Bay wine, from the Bridge Pa Triangle. Light golden-green in the glass, with all the hallmarks of the ‘modern’ New Zealand Chardonnay on the nose – flinty, slightly smoky oak, citrus and peaches. Mid-weighted on the palate, with a bright flash of grapefruity acidity, and a lovely barrel-ferment, malolactic-fermentation smoozy texture and luscious creaminess. Fresh tree-ripened apricot and lemon curd flavours come back in layers and it’s a nicely complex wine – especially for the price. The finish is butterscotch, popcorn and nicely drying.
I will be on the lookout for more from this label – find myself wondering what the Reserve Chardonnay must be like, after the delights of this Estate at around the $20 mark? Also trying to track down the winemaker, Lauren Swift (and her own label – Swift wines) – I’ll let you know what happens…
