Chardonnay poles apart but equally good.

It’s great to be able to taste two Chardonnay together. One from as far down south as is viticulturally possible, the other from humid, hot Gisborne. The two styles couldn’t be more different but the overwhelming impression one gets is of the high quality.

New Zealand has come a long way since the over extracted, toffee on a stick, creamy oak behemoths that they once were. Palates and styles have changed, as has the understanding of the vine and land from which great wine is made. Sure there are some very commercial Chardonnays made, and even some of those are of good quality.

To me, Chardonnay is the most appealing of all white varieties. I adore the lean crisp austere to the lush, rich creamy wines where the wines are in balance. So it was a real pleasure to be able to report on two wines from opposite ends of the country but equally well made.

Rockburn Chardonnay 2009 Central Otago: Crepe Suzette characters on the nose, with nectarine and lemon peel. The palate is filled with nervous tension. Great purity of fruit. Elegant mineral finish. Fresh Acidity.
89 Points
4 Stars
RRP $25

Brancott Estate Ormond Chardonnay 2010 Gisborne: Deeply fruit driven nose. Lovely concentration with pithy grapefruit freshness. Finely structured with mature intensity given age. Creamy edges and dry finish.
90 Points
5 Stars
RRP $30