New Zealand's 5 Best Chardonnays 2009

These wines were chosen by Jayson Bryant of The Wine Vault and are just his opinion.

Neudorf Moutere Nelson Chardonnay 2008
More French than the rest of the wines and is in the style of great Burgundian wines than some Burgundian wines. The nose is mealy with biscuit and malted milk than one dimensional citrus characters. The palate has a certain creamy quality that lingers like a bad smell! good length and great balance make this wine very attractive.
RRP $55 90/100points

Hatton Estate EC2 Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay 2008
Made by French winemaker david Ramonteu in a classic Petite Chablis style. The purity of the fruit and minerality of Gimblett Gravels shine through. Zesty lemon and riverstone are the 2 main components but the texture on the palate is layered with subtle undertones of other fruit. This wine offers a different perspective of what the gravels can offer in Hawke's Bay Chardonnay.
RRP $25 90/100 Points

Craggy Range 'Les Beaux Cailloux' 2007
Another top Chardonnay from the Gimblett Gravels. The is more about mealiness/oats with a twist of lemon and some other tropical fruit. Definitely needs food as is a bruiser at 14% with a little heat showing at the back end. The wine finishes dry but you can definitely taste the ripeness of the fruit.
RRP $65 89/100 Points

Black Estate Waipara Chardonnay 2008
The zingy aromatics that leap from the glass and can be smelt at 50 yards are a clue to the nature of this Chardonnay. The aromas are of citrus fruit with a hint of grapefruit and cream. The palate is texturally exciting with minerals and cream poured over lemons and line on an oatmeal biscuit.
RRP $40 89/100 Points 

Pegasus Bay Waipara Chardonnay 2007
Another Waipara Chardonnay making the top 5 Chardonnays for 2009 and you'll begin to understand why I, personally, believe this to be the most exciting region in New Zealand right now. This is technically very well made wine but just lacks a bit of edge for me. The characters are all in place for a great play but never really sings its own song. More Hawke's Bay than Waipara but technically excellent.
RRP $45 88/100 Points

Also worth a mention:
Craggy Range Kidnappers Hawke's Bay RRP $30 87/100 Points
Te Mata 'Elston' Hawke's Bay RRP $40 87/100 Points

 

 

 

Posted via web from The Wine Vault