We are generally on a similar page in our assessment of the wines, but today’s strong selection led to quite some diversity of opinion.
One endeavours to be objective, yet innate subjectivity can come into play, with aspects of a wine style appealing to one person and not another.
It’s a huge part of the fascination in wine that I find so rewarding.
2021 Maude Central Otago Chardonnay
Rating Excellent
Attractive biscuity/
oatmeal aromas,
caramel, nuts, ripe
peach, rather nice.
The palate full of
flavour but tightly
wound with bright
acidity and chewy
grip framing the wine.
This toyed with me,
taking time to let its
guard down, but
finally blossomed,
the elements coming
together in delicious
harmony. Suspect
that a little time will
be a friend here.
maudewines.com
2020 The Landing Boathouse Bay of Islands Chardonnay
Rating Very Good to Excellent
Fragrant nose,
lanolin, wisps of
sweet fruit, the
merest hint of toffee.
A more medium-
weight palate with
lovely balance and
integration, flavour
intensity here too.
Super acid line cuts
through this giving
freshness and cut,
while some nutty
nuances grow with
aeration. Very
appealing drinking
right off the bat.
thelandingwine.co.nz
2019 Carrick Cairnmuir Terraces EBM Organic Chardonnay
Rating Excellent to Outstanding
Fascinating notes,
intrigue, a hint of funk,
licorice, nuts, bran
biscuit, finely scented
oak, quietly unveils its
secrets. Lovely
texture, bran biscuit,
oatmeal/‘‘mealiness’’
fruit in support, a tight
citrusy line of acidity.
Excellent structure,
growing in the glass,
depth, drive and
energy. Enjoyable
now but feels like
there’s even more to
give with time.
carrick.co.nz
2020 The Landing Bay of Islands Chardonnay
Rating Excellent to Outstanding
Fragrant oak scents,
fruit salad, spices,
nuts quite engaging.
Creamy, supple and
rounded palate
bursting with flavour.
Power and depth,
red apple joining the
tropical fruits, a
touch of chewy grip,
while a shaft of racy
acidity whips this
into line, leading to a
long, lip-smacking
close. Fresh and
vibrantly youthful,
you can enjoy this
from the get go.
thelandingwine.co.nz
2021 Esk Valley Artisinal Collection Chardonnay
Rating Very Good to Excellent
Offers some
different notes, fruit
sherbet, toffee,
caramel. The palate
leads with a lactic
note akin to sour
cream, an
underlying citrusy
quality all backed by
tropical fruits. Nice
texture here, bright
and punchy with an
almond bittersweet
nuance adding
interest on the close.
Youthful lift, but in a
lovely place to enjoy
now.
eskvalleywines.com
2021 Dicey Bannockburn Chardonnay
Rating Excellent
Bursts out of the
glass with fruit salad,
peach and nectarine
notes, quince with
time. Youthful, fruit-
driven quality with an
inviting sweet ‘n’
sour aspect to it. The
fruit sweetness fills
the mouth, while a
tangy piquancy
keeps this vibrant
and lively. Good
backbone, peach
and oatmeal notes
arrive, aeration
allows it all to come
together nicely.
dicey.nz
