2013 Ata Rangi Craighall Chardonnay Martinborough

Classy Chardonnay with roasted chestnut, brioche, mineral, white peach and nectarine flavours that are beautifully integrated. Elegant, powerful and deliciously textural Chardonnay that makes it hard to resist a second glass ... and a third.

All Mendoza clone therefore more intense flavours. Whole bunch pressed straight to 300-litre barrels. High solids retained in the ferment and not much lees stirring. Because it was a warm vintage and they wanted to keep the wine fresh, malo was blocked on 50% of the wine. Subtle, fresh and lightly smoky, yet with plenty of ripe citrus flavour making the foundation. Dry and just slightly stony, the finish has a mild saltiness and a savoury quality, the creamy texture coming back at the end. (JH) Drink 2015-2018.

The 2013 Craighall Chardonnay is youthfully mute at this early stage, offering delicate notes of grapefruit peel, lemon curd and lemongrass with a chalky undercurrent and hint of cedar. Very tight-knit on the silken textured, medium bodied palate, it has a great line of acid and a very long mineral finish.