While this group covers South Island regions, I’ve bought some marvellous wines from Martinborough and Hawke’s Bay recently which just reinforce the level of quality that you find across the country.
2023 Riverby Estate Single Vineyard Marlborough Chardonnay
Rating Excellent
Nicely expressive nose,
no doubt to the variety.
Peach, nutty aspects,
light oak seasoning, a
flinty touch, fresh and
appealing. There’s a
fine, almost grainy feel
that just adds to the
texture, cracking
flavour depth with
zestiness on the close
leading to a delightfully
fresh finish. Already
drinking really well, but
I feel there’s more gas
in the tank for the future
too.
2022 Isabel Estate Wild Barrique Wairau Valley Chardonnay
Rating Outstanding
Distinctive wild yeast
component initially,
struck match, gunflint,
peach and clotted cream
developing, grilled nuts,
spices, stony mineral,
complex. Wonderful
depth and while the nose
suggests fatiness this
has elegance and
finesse. Great structure,
super balance,
wonderful carry, actually
rather classy. Now a
little orange zest, the
wild yeast notes part, so
much going on here.
2023 Riverby Estate Single Vineyard Old Vines Reserve Marlborough Chardonnay
Rating Excellent to Outstanding
Nose leaps out with
caramel, full cream, oak
spices, the ripe fruit
perfectly pitched in
support. Grip and
chewiness to the texture,
youthful and reminding
you of its potential, time
in the cellar will be a
friend but already
approachable as it
manages that
combination of balance,
flavour depth, yet without
anything overstated or
out of place. Confident,
elegant, cracking wine.
2022 Pegasus Bay Chardonnay
Rating Excellent to Outstanding
So much happening on
the nose, wild yeast
match and gunflint,
honeyed aspects,
spices, ripe peach, that
flinty note turning
mineral. Some toasty
char leads the palate,
peach, nectarine, bright
lemony citrus, exuding
quiet richness and
depth. Power matched
by brightness, fresh,
vital, a lovely each way
bet to enjoy now or tuck
in the cellar. You can
easily reach for another
glass.
2023 Carrick Organic Bannockburn Chardonnay
Rating Excellent
No doubting the variety.
Youthful, fresh, white
peach, oak spices, a
smoky nuance,
fragrance swelling, with
time a little earthy/
humus note adds to the
complexity. Again on the
palate that peach and
spiciness clear to see,
full of flavour yet a
sense of freshness too
with good structure and
acid backbone keeping
this nicely on point.
Likely to reward the
cellar yet it is drinking so
well now.
2021 Pegasus Bay Virtuoso Chardonnay
Rating Outstanding
Exuberant nose jumps
out to greet you.
Gunflint, struck match,
warm baguette, ripe
peach, toffee apple, so
engaging and complex.
Power and wonderful
depth of flavour without
ever feeling heavy.
Dances in the mouth,
vibrancy and liveliness,
now picking up a hint of
licorice, though it’s
pointless divining the
parts as it’s all about
balance, integration and
the sheer completeness
of this. Crackingly good.
