WINE REVIEW: Chardonnay

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

Te Mania Nelson Chardonnay 2014

$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 

 

 

 

 

Mahi Marlborough Chardonnay 2013

$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

 

 

 

 

Saint Clair Omaka Reserve Marlborough Chardonnay 2013

$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

 

 

 

 

Mahi Alchemy Marlborough Chardonnay 2012

$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

 

 

 

 

Pegasus Bay Waipara Chardonnay 2012

$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

 

 

 

 

Nanny Goat Central Otago Chardonnay 2013

$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