Summer Wine Guide 2023

2021 Staindl Chardonnay

G 95

Medium-deep lemon. Marzipan, nutmeg, vanilla, ripe pear, apricot, nectarine aromas. Richly concentrated wine with ample peach, nectarine, apricot, underlying vanilla marzipan notes, superb lacy texture, lovely mid-palate generosity and creaminess, and fine long mineral acidity. Delicious classical barrel-fermented Chardonnay with lovely body, weight and underlying oak complexity. 2023–2028 2021 Handpicked Wines Capella Vineyard Chardonnay G 95 Pale colour. Grapefruit, tonic water, saline aromas with grilled nut notes. Well balanced wine with lovely pure grapefruit, nectarine flavours, fine loose-knit chalky textures, very good mid-palate volume, a touch of viscosity and fresh integrated acidity. Finishes long and bittersweet. Classical style with mouth-watering freshness. Now–2027 2022 Penfolds Reserve Bin A Chardonnay G 95 Pale colour. Vibrant grapefruit, lemon curd aromas with light marzipan, flinty notes. Richly concentrated grapefruit, nectarine, lemon fruits, fine chalky, touch al dente textures, attractive mid-palate creaminess and fresh long cutting acidity. Finish crisp and tight. Should develop in the bottle very well. Very precise but keep for a year before drinking. 100% Chardonnay. 8 months in 25% seasoned and 75% new French oak Gentle bouquet of white peach, nectarine, lemon zest, hint of cashew and pineapple. Fresh, crisp, excellent intensity, linear palate structure which builds to the finish. Crystalline acidity. Excellent line and length. Still very young but super potential. 2021 Bilancia Trelinnoe Chardonnay G 95 Subtle bouquet of white nectarine, hint of yellow peach and pineapple. Fuller, richer, much more glycerol, body, weight and heft. Excellent balance – lovely freshness and tapers to a fine point towards the finish. A voluptuous style. 2021 Smith & Sheth CRU Heretaunga Chardonnay G 95 Distinctive bouquet of white blossom, savoury almost earthy notes, struck- match and gunflint. Fresh, rich and high-toned with lots of white peach and hint of buttery toast, leading to a savoury wet stone finish. Yum. barriques. 2024–2032 2021 Bilancia Tiratore Chardonnay G 95

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