From the Cellar: Ata Rangi Craighall Chardonnay Martinborough 2010 – $$$
Pale gold 13.5%.
A single-vineyard wine by the great Martinborough producer. Made from fruit off Mendoza clone vines planted in 1983 – that is old for NZ – and barrel-fermented with wild yeasts.
Smelled big, mealy and refined; with rich and toasty cashew and dried apricot aromas. Gorgeous.
Seamless and elegant to drink. I saw generous golden fruit flavours. A subtle citrus note. Cashew that gives way to almond.
This is a richly textured cru Chardonnay with a lovely crunchy bitter finish. Splendid & worth the wait!
Outstanding 5