97 POINTS 'OUTSTANDING' | Cameron Douglas MS
FIVE STARS 98/100 | Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
A breakthrough wine in New Zealand wine production. Vinted from a new Ovum (egg shaped oak cask - the only one in the Southern Hemisphere) this is a near perfect expression of the famous dry farmed Skeetfield Vineyard - a seminal site for old vine Chardonnay. The palate is rich and creamy with brilliant mouthfeel and tremendous drive - but is not either noticeably oak driven or heavy in any way - and the finish is incredibly long and satisfying. It is very clearly one of the finest Chardonnay experiences we have ever tasted and an absolute credit to the winemaker - a thoroughly modern and quite different interpretation of fine Hawkes Bay Chardonnay and a true showcase of what is very clearly a very special vineyard site. Bravo.
Cameron Douglas writes "Complex, delicate, mysterious and captivating with aromas of pure, ripe and fresh orchard fruits, citrus then peach, apple then quince. A lees complexity simmers throughout the bouquet with a sense of earth and mineral weaving through and getting stronger as the wine opens up. Equally complex, youthful and captivating on the palate - a wine as much about texture as it is flavour and origin. The taste of Mendoza clone is powerful with a tangerine and lemon peach core. The oak is quiet and soft with lees adding texture, shape and form. Long finish, complex and special. Ideal drinking can be today through 202025+ though best keep a few bottles in your cellar till later in 2022 to then discover the true potential for this unique expression."
Sam Kim writes "Exquisitely fine and poised, the wine shows ripe stone fruit, lemon peel, roasted hazelnut and subtle savoury notes on the nose. It's superbly concentrated and finely textured on the palate, delivering layers of delicate texture and complex flavours, leading to a prolonged sophisticated finish. "
| Stock Level: | Limited |
|---|---|
| Vintage: | 2019 |
| Volume: | 750ML |
| Seal Type: | Screwcap |