BEST CHARDONNAY
The Landing Bay of Islands Chardonnay 2019 ($48) ★★★★★
Made by Rod Mcivor, the most famous chardonician (new word) in all of Northland, this wine has the makings of a classic. Originally crafted for guests of The Landing’s luxury lodge properties on the Purerua Peninsula, it’s now yours to enjoy. Rod’s thrown everything at it: hand-harvesting, whole-bunch pressing, a French oak ferment and 11 months’ maturation before blending and bottleageing and it’s gum-numblingly good. Featuring grapefruity gorgeousness, cashew-like creaminess and a touch of peach brulee, it’s fresh, frisky and fab with baked brie. thelandingnz.com
Wither Hills Single Vineyard
Ben Morven Marlborough Chardonnay 2019 ($28)
★★★★★
Planted 20 years ago, this small-scale, north-facing site has been producing certified organic grapes since 2009 and certified sensational chardonnay since ages ago. Crafted by winemaker Matt
Large, it’s a rich-yet-elegantlystructured, stonefruit-andsmoke-soaked chardonnay that oozes caramelised, toasty spices and a buttered crumpet character on the finish. Smooth, stylish and fanging with flavour. I love it. witherhills.co.nz
Delta Marlborough Chardonnay 2020 ($20)
★★★★★
Fans of highly oaked, massively creamy styles will want to get in line to get their mitts on this new release from the folk at Delta. I love the creme caramel intensity in this wine from whoa to go, yet the acidity is perky-fresh and accentuates the tropical tones beautifully. Dangerously drinkable. deltawines.co.nz
Wairau River Reserve Marlborough Chardonnay 2020 ($30)
★★★★★
This is a wine that smells so good I struggled to wrest it away from my nose long enough to taste it. It’s vibrant, energetic and saturated with smoky, funky flickers that roar alongside roast peach and pineapple perfection. If that wasn’t enough, add rich, toasty oak, citrus complexity, punchy palate tension and creamy cashew characters to the mix and you’ve got stunning chardonnay, full stop.
wairauriverwines.com