WINE REVIEWS: Chardonnay

Chardonnay's popularity fell a few years ago, perhaps because of the lakes of boring, ''abc'' (another bloody chardonnay) that used to flood the market. However, good chardonnay is still being made and it's coming back into the sights of those who moved on to pinot gris and sauvignon blanc.

 

BEST VALUE

Sherwood Estate Stoney Range Waipara Chardonnay 2011

$15

Three stars (out of five)

Average value

Mellow with hints of mineral, an underlying texture, lots of flavour and a lively citric acidity on the finish.

www.sherwood.co.nz

 

 

 

Mahi Marlborough Chardonnay 2012

$29

Four stars out of five

Good value

An elegant wine, lively and complex with a suggestion of toasty oak supporting the fruit (stonefruit and citrus), a hint of creamy nuts and a rich, silky mouth feel with a long, lively finish.

www.mahiwine.co.nz

 

 

 

Mills Reef Reserve Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2012

$25

Three and a half stars

Average value

As always, this is a wine for lovers of toasty, oaky chardonnay. With suggestions of pencil shavings and stonefruit, it has a nutty creaminess and a dryish finish.

www.millsreef.co.nz

 

 

 

Brancott Estate Living Land Series Marlborough Chardonnay 2012

$29

Three and a half stars

Average value

An understated wine with suggestions of nectarines, stonefruit, dusty oak, hints of nuts and cream with a crisp, dry finish.

www.brancottestate.com

 

 

 

Stoneleigh Rapaura Series Marlborough Chardonnay 201

$31

Three and a half stars

Below average value

With hints of peaches and toasted nuts, suggestions of herbs, mineral and light oak, this is focused, tight and well structured with a long, dry finish.

www.stoneleigh.co.nz

 

 

 

Mahi Twin Valleys Marlborough Chardonnay 2011

$39

Four stars

Average value

With attractive but understated fruit hinting of citrus, golden peaches and ripe apple, held in restraint by a suggestion of mineral and nuances of cream, nuts and gentle oak, this is stylish, elegant and harmonious with a long, integrated finish.

www.mahiwine.co.nz 

 

 

 

ANOTHER GLASS

Church Road Grand Reserve Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2012

$49

Four stars (out of five)

Below average value

With hints of mineral, creamy toasted nuts and mellowed oak, stonefruit, grapefruit and a suggestion of caramel on the finish, this is tightly focused with a lively, crisp and firm finish. Will reward further bottle age.

www.churchroad.co.nz

 

 

Add a Comment

 

Seasons - By Alison Lambert  - Available for purchase now!

The Otago Daily Times and Alison have collaborated to bring you her first cookbook – Seasons.  

This book is the ultimate year-round cookbook. Seasons is filled with versatile recipes designed to inspire creativity in the kitchen, offering plenty of ideas for delicious accompaniments and standout dishes that highlight the best of what each season has to offer.  

 

$49.99 each. Purchase here.

$44.99 for ODT subscribers. Get your discount code here.