Country: New Zealand

Region: Auckland

Vintage: 2017

Cépage: Chardonnay (100%)

Size: 750 ml

Alcohol Content: 13.5%

Rating(s): 92 (RP); 93 (JS)

"All barrel-fermented, with 20% new oak, the 2017 Estate Chardonnay is a stellar effort. Smoky, nutty hints of roasted cashews appear on the nose, adding depth and richness to notes of peach and pineapple. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it's richly textured—something of a cross between creamy and sherbet-like—coming to a long, luscious finish. I don't expect it will be the longest-lived wine, but it sure is delicious."

Joe Czerwinski (RP) - 02/19