Now that autumn has finally kicked in, I find myself gravitating to Chardonnay (if I’m not opening a red) as it is a wine style that is very user friendly with a range of foods and has the palate weight that cooler times seem to have me craving.
Lucky for us all, there are so many cracking Chardonnays out there to enjoy, leaving us spoilt for choice.
2021 Villa Maria Ihumatao Auckland Chardonnay
Rating Outstanding
Some quality oak and
spice leads, then
nothing leaps or stands
out as it’s rather
complete. Richness
and sumptuousness,
yet freshness and
vibrancy. Lovely depth
of fruit flavour, citrus
and nuttiness yet
understated. Superb
balance, wonderful
complexity, stylish,
long, long finish.
Already gorgeous, I
could see this being a
star in the cellar.
2022 Te Kairanga Runholder Chardonnay
Rating Excellent to Outstanding
Ripely fruited nose,
tropical, wisps of
banana and melon,
nuts and fruit sherbet
follow. The flavours
match the nose with
butterscotch and nutty
elements neatly kept in
line by racy acidity and
lemony citrus. Such
balance, there’s a
seamlessness and
effortlessness here
that doesn’t feel forced
or overdone, while
remaining full of
flavour.
2020 Vavasour Papa Marlborough Chardonnay
Rating Excellent
Leads with burnt toast,
licorice and wisps of
struck match shifting
to stone and dried
fruits. Quite engaging.
Ripely fruited palate
mixing pear, peach
and nectarine allied
with a firmer, more
chewy palate that
sings out to be paired
with food. Develops
nice creaminess as it
opens up with air,
good flavour depth and
unmistakably
Chardonnay.
2021 Villa Maria Taylors Pass Marlborough Chardonnay
Rating Excellent to Outstanding
Fascinating pea-pod
note leads, glace fruits,
nutty elements, toffee,
light but classy oak,
this quietly oozes
power. Nose rather
beguiling. The palate
echoes the nose,
topping it off with a
dusting of spice.
There’s power, depth
and lusciousness here,
a lovely vein of acidity
and structure that
bodes well for the
future. Complexity,
interest, rather lovely.
2017 Giesen Single Vineyard Clayvin The Fuder Series Chardonnay
Rating Excellent to Outstanding
Toasty, rich nose, a mix
of tropical and
stonefruits, a citrusy
undercurrent, flecks of
oatmeal and nuts. Almost
oily viscosity, some
clotted cream lactic
notes, full of flavour, the
tropical fruit influences
and citrus building, oak
spices. Nice grip with fine
tannins and neatly
balanced acidity. For all
it’s depth this isn’t
"cuddly" but classy and
serious with a lot on offer.
2021 Te Kairanga John Martin Martinborough Chardonnay
Rating Excellent
Boldness at first,
settling down to hints of
toffee and stonefruit
with spice elements,
wood smoke later.
Lactic characters of
clotted/sour cream lead
the palate, ripe fruit and
nutty, almondy qualities
to the close. There’s an
initial fatness, then
tautness and grip. That
firmness suggests
more to come here with
time.
