There are some delicious chardonnays in this batch, mouth-filling with well-balanced oak, creamy malolactic characters, nuttiness from lees contact, and lovely crisp finishes, but as always, it's the overall balance that brings it into harmony.
BEST VALUE
$20
Four stars (out of five)
Good value
Slightly off the wall, but satisfying, funky with ripe fruit - peaches, greengages, kiwi berries, savoury, smoky undertones and a lively, crisp finish hinting of grapefruit and mandarin on the lingering aftertaste.
$20
Three stars
Below average value
Attractive stone and citrus fruit with a creamy nuttiness and fresh finish.
$21.50
Three and a half stars
Average value
This oozes fruit salad with underlying hints of subtle oak, an attractive nutty creaminess and a crisp finish.
$28
Four stars
Average value
Perfumed with hints of citrus flowers, suggestions of apples, mineral and underlying nuts, this is mouth-filling but elegant and stylish with a very dry, lingering finish. It will happily partner a wide range of food.
margrainvineyard.co.nz
$34
Four and a half stars
Average value
With the lovely richness typical of Gisborne chardonnay, this exudes mellow fruit - grapefruit and stonefruit, supported by well-integrated oak, a nutty complexity and lovely long, well-balanced finish.
$34
Four and a half stars
Average value
Fragrant with lively hints of citrus, nectarine and mango, this is generously mouth-filling, textural and intense, with suggestions of pencil shavings and nuts, a crisp, steely acidity and intense dry finish.
ANOTHER GLASS
Soho Carter Waiheke Chardonnay 2013
$38
Four stars
Below average value
With hints of citrus, marzipan and nuts, this is rich mouth-filling, attractive and powerful with lots of supporting oak and a crisp fresh finish.
