2008 Mate's Vineyard Chardonnay
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Tasting notes
Grilled nuts accent ripe peaches on the nose of the amazingly youthful 2008 Mate's Vineyard Chardonnay. Medium to full-bodied and silky in texture, this is a terrific example of New World Chardonnay, with vibrant, ripe-fruit flavors that linger through the finish.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Tim Jackson MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Some botrytis, due to a 33 ° C heat spike with humidity. Mid-deep lemon. Broad, creamy nuttiness, with some old cream character and mellow, dried yellow peach. Gently matured. Integral and seamless palate, with complex almond nuttiness over flint mineral, rich yellow peach and a long, creamy finish. Not such crisp acidity as other vintages, but decent freshness. (TJ)
The 2008 Maté’s Vineyard Chardonnay has a slightly muted, waxy bouquet that does not convey the same complexity as the 2007. The palate is well balanced with a sour lemon and orange pith entry, good density and depth and a lot of extract coming through on the phenolic finish. It feels very persistent and is probably at its peak now. Impressive and very typical of this cuvée . Tasted at the Kumeu River Chardonnay vertical in London.
Fully evolved nose. Just a little long in the tooth even though there is great freshness. A bit angular and has lost real focus. But there is very charming fruit. (JR)