Crossroads Milestone Series Chardonnay 2018
From the Yealands Group, a Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay, with fruit from across the region. A brilliant lemon yellow in the glass, with a nose of nectarine, pineapple and a whiff of gunsmoke. The palate offers ripe fruit flavours – more grapefruit and guava, and a little lees influence, which adds a textural weight to the complexity.
Nice youthful acidity, with a drive and balance that’s impressive for the price point. A hint of nutty oak, and finishes sweet and buttery to round out a very pleasant, simple, but elegant wine.
Soho Peggy Sauvignon Blanc 2019
From Marlborough – of course – with fruit from both the Wairau and Awatere Valleys, comes this lively little 2019 Sav. The last vintage brought us Sauvignon Blancs of lovely fruit ripeness, and, in this case, some sparkly minerality to add to the characteristics that we know and admire in our national wine.
Pale, near colourless; but with zest and zing in the bouquet of lime, passionfruit and a jasmine-like floral note. Delicious and generous palate of ripe stone fruits, and plush papaya and warm apricot. Well balanced but bright acidity meets a streak of wet-stone salinity and a delicate, rounded texture. It’s a wine that unfolds beautifully, with so much more than just the usual upfront punch of a Sav. The finish is juicy but slightly ethereal – harmonious and mouthwatering.
