PHOTO: GETTY IMAGESToday’s line-up revolves around a quintet of Central Otago offerings along with a interloper from Hawke’s Bay. I’m of the opinion that any time of the year is a good time to enjoy chardonnay, but these cooler months see it coming into its own. Those who approach wine seasonally may be cutting back on their aromatics, rose and bubblies, transitioning to richer chardonnays that pair well with the richer foods that appear this time of year. All power to freedom of choice and in my book there is no “right or wrong”, you should open what you enjoy, but if you need temptation to revel in some exciting chardonnays, these could scratch that itch. 2023 Folding Hill Bendigo Chardonnay Price RRP $38 Rating Excellent Stonefruits, a tangy, lifted quality, floral/ blossom, tropical fruits follow, a hint of fruit pastille later. A stony/wet stone quality on the front palate, the grip and structure becoming more evident as it unfurls. Rather than being showy or flashy, this just draws you in with its lovely complexity and elegance, it works on lots of levels, closing with a spicy touch on the long finish. www.foldinghill.co.nz 2024 Doctors Flat Bannockburn Chardonnay Price RRP $55 Rating Outstanding Preserved lemon and dried fruits, then stone fruits and minerality, finely scented. Nectarine and stone fruits lead the palate, hints of pineapple, again that minerality, delicious juiciness that gives openness, yet structure promising more. Layers of flavour that hang in the mouth,, superb complexity and interest. Bran/warm brioche and grilled nuts on the nose now, you want another glass. www.doctorsflat.co.nz 2023 Moko Hills Bendigo Chardonnay Price RRP $59 Rating Excellent to Outstanding Fresh, bright and engaging, spicy, subtle undercurrents and complexities teasing with promise. Mouthfilling, cooling, great texture, structure and grip as it opens. Stonefruits, hints of tropical and spice, with wonderful length, the flavours fanning out on the close with lip-smacking sapidity. Understated elegance, focus and poise, feels very comfortable in its own skin. www.mokohills.co.nz 2023 Carrick Cairnmuir Terraces EBM Organic Bannockburn Chardonnay Price RRP $60 Rating Excellent to Outstanding Fine oak scents lead, ripely fruited, honey, spices, nothing stands out as everything is in place, lanolin/wet wool with air. Luscious and textural, lovely in the mouth, superfluous isolating flavours as it’s all about the whole. Brimming with flavour, great length, really engaging as it opens out. Sumptuousness and depth, an each way bet for drinkability yet potential. www.carrick.co.nz 2024 Nevis Bluff S.V Central Otago Chardonnay Price RRP $39 Rating Excellent A wisp of smoke, grilled cashew nut, melon and stone fruits, enticing fragrance and quite engaging. Fine in the mouth, a sense of coolness yet at the same time deceptively rich without at all being “heavy”. Vanilla pod, stone fruits, white peach, freshening acidity, great drinkablity yet potential too. It captures your attention without having to shout from the rooftops. www.nevisbluff.co.nz 2024 Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay Price RRP $39.99 Rating Excellent to Outstanding Gorgeous nose, refined oak scents, spices, nuttiness, peach, absolutely classic and totally alluring. Another wine offering depth without weight, body and richness yet surprisingly light on its feet. Quiet, creamy sumptuousness, continuing the flavour palette begun with the nose. Wonderful length, totally moreish, Chardonnay fans will be in heaven here. www.trinityhill.com
