2013 Ata Rangi Craighall Chardonnay, Martinborough

Craighall is sourced from prized blocks of Mendoza-clone vines, and those planted on the original block are now over 30 years old. Despite their wiry stature, these vines consistently deliver top quality bunches of tiny 'hen and chicken' grapes. A bright stone-fruit and citrus blossom bouquet, along with a sleek, flinty minerality are the key features of this cohesive and finely crafted 2013 vintage. Barrel fermented with indigenous yeasts, these primary fruit and floral characters are offset by more savoury, bran biscuit-like fermentation characters on the palate. This beautifully balanced wine will cellar comfortably for at least 6 years. Top White in New Zealand March 2015 (Bob Campbell MW)