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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
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.
2024 Doctors Flat Bannockburn Chardonnay
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.
2023 Moko Hills Bendigo Chardonnay
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.
2023 Carrick Cairnmuir Terraces EBM Organic Bannockburn Chardonnay
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
www.carrick.co.nz
2024 Nevis Bluff S.V Central Otago Chardonnay
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.
2024 Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay
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.
