Meltwater Marlborough Chardonnay
A rather hedonistic nose suggests ripe pears, fresh peach and oatmeal while the palate is taught and chalky with nectarine, pear and iodine notes and a driven freshness. Unmistakably Marlborough for its cleansing hit of salty goodness, this is harmonious, balanced and dry. Established in 2011, Corofin is the new home for ex-Jackson Estate winesmith Mike Paterson and his partner Anna, until recently GM at TerraVin. At this early juncture, while Mike is contracted to another project and Anna busy raising the couples two young daughters, Corofin craft two (soon to be three) single-vineyard Pinot Noirs, each in tiny 100-150-case lots. You can read about two of these pretty special Marlborough sites below (the third being the Weavers Waihopi Slopes at Churton). Not too far down the line well see a little Chardonnay as well. For the time being the wines are made out of temporary digs at Fromm. Having spent the majority of their working years in and about Marlborough, Mike and Anna have no doubt regarding the potential of their adopted region, and were well placed to approach their first choice of vineyards. Indeed, Patersons selection of sites reflects both a winemakers enthusiasm for Marlboroughs Southern Valley hillside vineyards plus the dedication of certain grape growers whose vineyards he believes act as a beacon of Marlborough individuality. Not by accident do these growers focus on organic and/or biodynamic principles. In addition, Patersons artisanal approach in the winery does the necessary justice to each site; hand-harvesting and sorting, whole berry/cluster ferments, fermentation with indigenous yeast, no fining nor filtration and zero new wood, with the wines raised in 2-4 year old barrels. In a region where for much of the time money talks and terroir walks, Corofins 2013s show that great, singular terroir is thriving in Marlborough (a cliché that has sometimes hit troubled waters in its journey across the ditch). Paterson goes one step further in demonstrating that precocious, ripe Marlborough Pinot can be made without confected fruit, nor winemaking artefactPatersons are beautifully aromatic, detailed and sculpted Pinot Noir, which combine the best of all worlds: finesse, freshness, terroir transparency. We can already tell you hes got a similar way with Chardonnay. The wines have the aromatic prowess and elegant texture that will appeal to Burgundy fanatics, but also youthful generosity and reasonable price tag; qualities all Pinot lovers can get behind. In short, were delighted to be working with this talented and classy young project.
Oakridge Over The Shoulder Chardonnay
Oakridge are at their best with premium Chardonnay, and it shows here. This is their signature; delicious nectarine and minerals, finely textured structure and gorgeous length.
Cullen Kevin John Chardonnay
Kevin Cullen was a passionate believer in the quality of Margaret River as a wine region and particularly of its potential to become one of the great areas for both Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Here's his proof! [Biodynamic]
Printhie Mountain Range Chardonnay
Printhie Chardonnay is a great example of what Orange has to offer beautiful aromas of citrus and stone fruit with a well balnced palate of fine acidity and subtle French oak.
Robert Stein Third Generation Chardonnay
The Third Generation series is a modern style Chardonnay, Robert Stein Winery has crafted with the exceptional fruits from Mudgee to create this great expression of the vineyard and regional characteristics in a bottle. With the aromas of grapefruit, peach and citrus, fermentation was 80% in stainless steel tank with high lees contact. The remainder time in older oak undergoing partial Malolactic Fermentation with wild yeast, which adds diversity and complexity to the finish.
Field of Stones Sauvignon Blanc
Forrest Estate now have vineyards in premium Otago and Gimlett Gravels but grapes for Field of Stones Sauvignon are pure Marlborough, grown on the very stony soil adjacent to the Forrest winery, hence the name ‘Field of Stones’. The fruit is harvested in the cool of the night and early morning to maximise the mineral freshness and the lemon thyme, elderflower and guava flavours. Bring on the seafood platter!
Seifried Nelson Chardonnay
Yering Station Chardonnay
From the ever impressive Yering Station, this Chardonnay offers toasty barrel ferment characters, good supporting oak and ripe peach aromas leading to a textured and well rounded palate. One of the better value examples out there.
Devil's Corner Chardonnay
Devil's Corner Chardonnay shows some up-front ripe stone fruit, citrus characters and hint of subtle spiciness. It shows excellent flavour intensity with great persistence and a refreshing finish.
Lawson's Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc
One of the most anticipated releases from Marlborough shows a rich aromatic bouquet and a palate brimming with passionfruit, gooseberry and melon fruit flavours and herbs. Partial barrel fermentation imparts creamy undertones and complexity.
