2008 Elston Chardonnay

Whole bunch pressed and matured in new oak, the 2008 Elston Chardonnay is quite tight and a little more herbaceous on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly lower acidity that I expected. Touches of kiwi fruit, orange zest and passion fruit vie for attention on the palate that leads to a smooth, rounded, very polished finish. I would afford this a little time in bottle to show more personality. Drink 2011-2015. John Buck OBE and his son Nicholas continue their hone their craft at one of New Zealand’s most respected wineries and winemaker Peter Cowley has fashioned a clutch of stunning wines in both 2008 and 2009. Both tank samples of their flagship Coleraine and Awatea 2009 are bona fide classics in the making, whilst their entry Woodthorpe range of wines offer a costcutting introduction to the delights of Hawkes Bay varietals without cutting quality.