2023 Neudorf Rosie's Block Moutere Chardonnay, Nelson

Barrel fermentation in 15% new french oak for 10 months and 2 months on fine lees. There's a crackle of firework dust, with peach melba, bergamot and lemon balm. Honeycomb, grated nutmeg, cinnamon and bay leaf. Candied pineapple gives way to ginger ale and lime juice. Cumin and dukkah spice. Perfectly poised between power and precision, this gives you everything you're craving in modern North Island chardonnay wrapped in a compact, tightly-wired package. This is drinking very well now and has the ability to age another 8 years. 

95 points Shanteh Wale winecompanion.com.au

Cool nose of restrained elderflower, lemonade, apples and wood-smoke with a whiff of sea shell. The palate shows hints of hazelnut alongside the sappy mid-weight flavours of apple, citrus and floral stone-fruit. It is all supported by savoury acidity and an elegant, nutty, salted caramel finish. Innate complexity in a lighter style and although the phenolics are bony, it is not austere. With time in the glass it blossoms into a sophisticated but quietly impressive wine of nuance and detail which will develop at least in the mid-term 11 Oct 2024 Drink 2025–2035

94 points Stephen Wong MW therealreview.com

Neudorf Rosie’s Block Moutere Chardonnay from Nelson is a vibrant and elegant white wine that showcases the distinctive terroir of New Zealand’s Moutere Hills. Crafted by Neudorf Vineyards, a pioneering winery renowned for its commitment to excellence and sustainable practices, this Chardonnay represents the perfect balance of richness and freshness, hallmarks of the Nelson region.

Rosie’s Block, a specific parcel within the Moutere Hills, is characterized by its clay-rich gravel soils, which impart structure and minerality to the wine. The site benefits from Nelson’s sunny climate, tempered by cooling sea breezes, allowing for slow, even ripening that enhances both flavor intensity and natural acidity.

Winemaking at Neudorf focuses on minimal intervention to preserve the vineyard's character. Grapes are hand-harvested and gently pressed, with fermentation occurring naturally using wild yeasts. The wine is aged in a mix of French oak barrels, a portion of which are new, for 10-12 months. This careful approach builds texture and complexity while maintaining the wine’s vibrancy.

In the glass, Neudorf Rosie’s Block Moutere Chardonnay exhibits a bright straw color with golden highlights. The nose is enticing, with aromas of citrus zest, white peach, and nectarine, complemented by notes of hazelnut, brioche, and flinty minerality. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and beautifully textured, with flavors of ripe stone fruits, lemon curd, and a hint of toasted almond. The wine’s fresh acidity and long, mineral finish make it both refreshing and age-worthy.

This Chardonnay is a versatile pairing partner, ideal with dishes like roasted chicken, pan-seared salmon, or creamy risotto.