Some chardonnays can be rich and oaky, others more restrained with nutty hints of varying intensity, and then there are unoaked ones which can have lovely fruity flavours. There's something to suit every taste, but it pays to be selective.
BEST VALUE
$19.95
Fragrant with hints of grapefruit and smoky oak, and suggestions of melon, spice and oatmeal, this is a stylish, zesty wine, with understated oak and a bright, tingly aftertaste.
Good value
4 stars (out of 5)
$29
A stylish wine with complex aromas hinting of citrus, nectarine and smoky bacon, suggestions of nuts, thyme, honey and toasty oak with a lively finish and long aftertaste.
Average value
4 stars (out of 5)
$15
A simple, fresh wine with a hint of citrus and nuts, and a crisp, bright finish.
Average value
2 stars (out of 5)
$19.90
A juicy fruit salad of a wine, oozing nectarines and tropical fruit, held in check by a hint of mineral, a rich oily texture and a crisp, zesty finish.
Average value
3 stars (out of 5)
$21
An attractive, oaky wine with oodles of peach and citrus fruit to support the nutty, buttery undertones, which finishes with a crisp, long aftertaste. For those who enjoy oaky wines.
Average value
3 stars (out of 5)
$30
A complex wine, restrained and understated with hints of basil, fragrant citrus fruit, textural and harmonious with a lingering aftertaste. The reserve is the top tier of this long established Hawkes Bay producer's wines.
Average value
4 stars (out of 5)
ANOTHER GLASS
$25.20
With hints of citrus and stone fruit with underlying nutty, buttery notes, this is a complex, textural wine, with some delicious flavours suggesting peach and butter scotch pie, but I can't help thinking a bit more time in bottle will help the flavours harmonise.
Average value
3 stars (out of 5)
$28
A funky wine with hints of smoke, grapefruit, mineral and rubber, with mellowed flavours, understated fruit, light oak, and a firm, tight finish.
Average Value
3 stars out of 5
Although wine sent for review is tasted blind to eliminate preconceptions, all wine tasting and evaluation is subjective. These are personal recommendations. charmian.smith@odt.co.nz
Two stars - simple, clean, enjoyable wine; three stars - good wine with varietal characteristics; four stars - very good wine with some outstanding characteristics; five stars - outstanding wine with balance and harmony that leaves you with a sense of wonder.
