New Chardonnay from old dry grown vines

18.5/20

2021 Tony Bish Skeetfield Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay RRP $67.99

A stunning new wine with bold flavours, a big body and a nuance of creamy appeal made from dry grown Mendoza Chardonnay grapes from the Skeetfield Vineyard. This was 100% barrel fermented and matured for 12 months in Taransaud French oak, which provides a subtle spicy note and structure without intruding on the powerful citrus zing and rounded white peach flavours. The finish is long, smooth and every sip lingers. It's a great feat to make such a wine from dry farmed Mendoza grapes, which are typically variable in size on the same bunch - a double edged sword for winemakers because volumes can be small from Mendoza Chardonnay grapes but the taste is usually concentrated. It certainly lives up to its reputation in this great white.