Some very stylish, complex chardonnay is made in New Zealand, often with indigenous yeast and barrel fermentation. These are wines to savour and linger over.
BEST VALUE
$22
Three and a half stars (out of five)
Above average value
Fresh with lovely purity of fruit: citrus, stonefruit, ripe apple, a suggestion of nuts and a crisp, lively finish. Simple and refreshing.
Temaniawines.co.nz
$29
Four stars
Above average value
Lush tropical and citrus fruit mingle with smoky, nutty undertones, a mineral backbone and a crisp, dry, well-balanced finish. Integrated and stylish.
Mahi.co.nz
$38
Four stars
Average value
Rich with underlying stone fruit, oodles of lovely oak hinting of vanilla and freshly sawn timber, but integrated and mouthfilling with a crisp finish. Heaven for lovers of oaky chardonnay.
Saintclair.co.nz
$39
Five stars
Above average value
A complex, stylish wine, creamy with hints of smoke, stonefruit, citrus and nuts, a steely, textural backbone, a dry finish and a long aftertaste. Delicious, tightly structured and harmonious with potential to develop for several more years.
Mahi.co.nz
$38
Four stars
Average value
Complex with hints of smoky citrus, particularly grapefruit, mouthfilling with a steely backbone, a suggestion of marmalade, and a crisp, fresh, tingly finish. A stylish wine with potential to develop for five-10 years
Pegasusbay.com
$36
Three and a half stars
Below average value
Youthful and tightly structured with hints of grapefruit, stonefruit and fresh herbs, textural and dry with a steely crisp finish.
Nannygoatvineyard.co.nz
