2021 Abel Tasman Chardonnay

"This new release is the fourth vintage of Abel Chardonnay, which is made by founder-owners Mark and Sophie McGill in collaboration with her parents, James and Wendy Healy (co-founders of Dog Point Vineyards). This outstanding wine has all the creamy nuances that Chardonnay lovers enjoy but it is the fab balance of brightness and acidity that add its strongest appeal, for me. All grapes were hand picked and fermented in 3000 to 5000 litre cuves (large barrels) at warmer than typical fermentation temperatures and 23 months aging (compared to the more typical 11 months in smaller barrels). Stunningly fresh, smooth, full and rich with great depth of flavour. Not to mention outstanding value for money. The name is a lovely play on words. Nelson is a city rather than a region. Tasman is the region and Abel is the name of the wine. Abel Tasman was the first explorer to discover New Zealand."

"This is a focused, fruit-forward, fresh chardonnay with apple, floral, peach, lemon — even graphite — notes. It’s sometimes tricky to remember this is the variety that people associate with toasty oak and buttery lemons, especially if you’re used to tasting fuller, more oaky and buttery examples of the variety. The panel hopes that more chardonnays will be made like this — minimal oak and in more of a fruit-driven style, making a wine that’s fresh, with driving acidity, textured and balanced. It’s hard to keep the winemaker out of the equation when it comes to chardonnay — even this is a full-solids (made without settling), wild fermentation — but it is nice to see other styles of a wine too easily pigeonholed on our shores."

"Fine-boned, taut chardonnay with oyster shell/mineral, citrus/grapefruit and subtle spicy oak flavours supported by deliciously mouth-watering acidity which gives a crisp, dry finish without being too austere. Clearly made with a light touch in a good vintage. 28 JUL 2022."