Marlborough Chardonnay

First bottle of three that I bought on release - the 2018 Chardonnay from Dog Point in Marlborough. I’ve had this wine once before, a couple of years ago - the 2011 - which was superb.

This 2018 has a young appearance, greenish yellow in hue, Chablis-like.

Highly reductive on the first night with a strong herbal edge; much more open and harmonious on the second. Flint, wet shale, lemon, orange peel.

The palate is lean, energetic and super high in acidity, with prevailing flavours of lemon and lime, Braeburn apple and only the faintest hint of any lactic notes. It finishes quite long, but it’s bracing, taut and youthful at present. I expect this to age quite well and will pull my next bottle in three years (note to self!).

91+

Burgundian in style but lacking weight and texture. Reminiscent of Chassagne but not totally integrated. Reductive nose. Burnt match. Still a classy, easy drinking Chardonnay.

What a joy to drink this 9 year old Marlborough Chardonnay in a near perfect spot with little sign of age. This is so bright, fresh, vibrant but carries a depth that I didn’t expect from this region.

Complex palate with white peony, pepper, lemon, grapefruit and mouth watering acidity. The finish is so, so long and couldn’t be more buttery. Like, minutes later buttery. Could this be barrel age, could it be malo fermentation - not sure. But I love it.

Rich, deep and intense, drinks like a tremendously high quality California Chardonnay like Aubert CIX Vineyard or the fabulous Australian Cloudburst Chardonnay. Pastry cream, honey, exotic citrus, butter, minerals.

Thanks NZ, this wine is just as I remembered! Freshly roasted coffee beans, bright minerality, rich mouthfeel cut with nice acidity and delicate layers of oak.

Getting a bit Pinoted Out. Nice to try a Chardonnay albeit in the buttery style.

This turned a corner after about an hour open. Initially kinda awkward and disjointed with some funk, but calmed down and become more focused. Cat pee, English pea, toasted sesame seed, and lime.

This Oaky wine was not expected - need to think on it.

Super fresh!

Enjoying it a lot! Not quite Grand Cru level or premier, but it does remind me of that 2004 Leflaive Bourgogne Blanc and certainly if tasted blind would not come out as "new world". Thanks a lot Peter for suggesting!!