Clean sweep

I bought a $1500 robot vacuum cleaner. Mock all you want, but I’m sipping chardonnay while this thing sucks life’s lint away…

SNAPPER ROCK HAWKE’S BAY CHARDONNAY 2016 $15

There’s a really spicy, almost ginger-like kick to this chardonnay, which clearly has the “cheap and cheerful crowd-pleaser” flag flying from its screwcap. If you’re looking for bags of toasty oak and creamy, buttery bodaciousness, you won’t find it here. This wine is all about the tangy tropical fruit and popcorn pluckiness on the palate. Sip with: garlic and chilli-fried prawns. glengarrywines.co.nz

ALPHA DOMUS THE SKYBOLT HAWKE’S BAY CHARDONNAY 2016 $26

This is the second vintage of Skybolt, a chardonnay that’s like a Fruity McFruitface up front on the palate, yet with a tweak of French oak. I love how the classic grapefruit and roast peach flavours are edged with hints of coconut and spice, then followed by a long, creamy finish. Winemaker Barry Riwai is a champion when it comes to creating super-tasty chardonnay — and this new vintage is no exception. Sip with: hot-smoked salmon and creamy potato salad. alphadomus.co.nz

THE FIFTH INNINGS LIMITED RELEASE MARLBOROUGH CHARDONNAY 2016 $59

Only 600 bottles were made of this wine and they’re all individually numbered. While numbers are things you can count on, safety is definitely not on the agenda for this chardonnay. It’s huge in every respect. Those with a delicate constitution may opt for something tamer, because this wine will ruck and maul its way across your palate, leaving a trail of roasted, tropical fruits, toasted almonds, struck match and smoky notes — and grilled citrus for Africa. Sip with: prosciutto-wrapped hapuku fillets. mistycovewines.com Yvonne Lorkin YVONNE LORKIN IS CO-FOUNDER AND CHIEF TASTING OFFICER OF WINEFRIEND.CO.NZ AND A WINE WRITERS OF NZ MEMBER.