2012 Cloudy Bay Chardonnay, Marlborough

Complex flavours of cashew nut, preserved lemon and nectarine. The, subtle grapefruit and white floral notes reveal themselves. Layered with a bold complexity of ripe fruit flavour and spicy, smoky oak characters. The combined texture of fruit density and lees work provides a focal point that is balanced by fresh and firm acidity. Tim Heath - Senior Winemaker: 'The 2012 Chardonnay shows a sense of refinement in its balance...this is a function of earlier picking and a restrained use of new oak…

A relatively cool Marlborough vintage has produced a tangier and perhaps more elegant style that I find very appealing. A high energy wine that strikes a nice balance between citrus/grapefruit flavours and winemaking artefact from barrel maturation and yeast lees contact. Power delivered with consummate subtlety 22 FEB 2014'

95 points Bob Campbell MW The Real Review