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he vast majority of aromas and flavours of Chardonnay come from the management of fruit once it arrives into the winery. Winemakers use their skills to shape the aromas and textures of Chardonnay through particular techniques - for example, leaving some grape solids in the juice before fermentation, fermenting in stainless steel, concrete eggs or vats, large plastic tubs, new or used oak barrels of varying sizes and toast levels. Some producers can add oak flavour by suspending large bags of toasted oak chips inside a stainless-steel tank as a cost saving measure (oak barrels are very expensive). The fermentation stage is the most critical because it locks in most of the flavours we recognise. Chardonnay can age quite well, but only if provenance, yield, winemaking then storage present in the right combinations. There are some predictable or ‘traditional’ expressions of Chardonnay still popular and available. The creamy, fruity, oaky and buttery style is still very popular. These wines are made in a specific way that uses an acid conversion technique called Malolactic Fermentation (MLF). Here’s how it works: chardonnay wine post ferment is susceptible to certain bacteria forming naturally in a wine usually over spring. The enzyme that is activated by the bacteria converts some or all of the malic acid into a softer milky lactic acid. You may recognise this in the wine as a buttery texture. Combined with the flavours of new oak the nutty, smoky and even butterscotch flavours can be delicious for many.
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GIESEN SINGLE VINEYARD THE FUDER CLAYVIN MARLBOROUGH CHARDONNAY 2015 Complex, complete, detailed and precise - a bouquet requiring your absolute attention first. Flavours include grapefruits and baking spices, vanilla and white wood smoke, peaches and cashew. Dry, weighty, rich and concentrated, complex, detailed and lengthy. Drink now and through 2025+. Points 96 RRP $59.99 Distributor: Giesen Group Ltd Phone: (03) 344 6270 www.giesenwines.co.nz
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TE PĀ THE RESERVE COLLECTION ST LEONARD’S MARLBOROUGH CHARDONNAY 2018 Bold, forward, fruity, youthful and distinctive bouquet of Chardonnay. Aromas of roasted orchard stone fruits - nectarine and peach, baking spices of vanilla and a little clove, then smoky oak. Dry, weighty and equally bold on the palate. Full-bodied with flavours that reflect the fruit and oak messages, plus roasted nut and a burnt butter note. A lovely wine with a complex weight finish. Drink now and through 2023. Points 95 RRP $49.95 Distributor: Beverage Brothers Ltd Phone: (03) 570 5192 www.tepawines.com
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3 DOMAIN ROAD DEFIANCE CENTRAL OTAGO CHARDONNAY 2018 The bouquet takes a while to reveal all it has to show complex and detailed, youthful and fresh with a core of mineral rocks then oak and fruit. Equally complex on the palate with a lovely core of fruit and oak combinations, white-fleshed fruits, a touch of tropical fruit with a quartz-like mineral finish. A lovely wine
with the finer details needed to become a classic. Can be enjoyed now and will cellar as well. Best from 2020 through 2025. Points 95 RRP $32.00 Distributor: Co Pilot Distributors Phone: (09) 412 9137 www.copilotdistributors. co.nz
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LUNA ECLIPSE MARTINBOROUGH CHARDONNAY 2018 Nicely complex on the nose, a core of fruit contrasted by oak and minerality. Nothing is overdone so quite a pure and balanced attack. More complex on the palate where the oak begins to emerge stronger than the nose suggested. Equally strong is the fruit telling the same story as on the nose. Some fine tannins and plenty of acidity this is a lovely wine. Lengthy finish and a developing complexity Drinkable now though best from late 2020 through 2025. Points 95 RRP $35.99 Distributor: EuroVintage Phone: (0800) 338 766 www.lunaestate.co.nz
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TONY BISH HEARTWOOD HAWKE’S BAY CHARDONNAY 2018 Charming bouquet of Chardonnay with a medley of aromas led by yellow stone fruits in harmony with lees, butterscotch and sweet apple. Gentle creamy textures contrasted by acidity and the bite of wood accentuated by its natural spice and sweetness. Medium+ acidity and a core of peach and ripe citrus fruit flavours. Youthful still, so should be cellared for at least another year. Best from late 2020 through 2024+. Points 95 RRP $35.00 Distributor: Caro’s and Long Cloud Wines & Spirits Phone: (06) 650 3353 www.tonybishwines.co.nz
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