Just been for a short break in Akaroa, and tried a couple of very nice Chardonnays. One was from Tony Bish, long-time Hawke’s Bay winemaker with Sacred Hill who has begun making wines under his own label – and this one is fermented and matured in concrete eggs. The second is from Black Estate in the Waipara, North Canterbury, and this is the second time I’ve had this wine in the last few weeks. It’s not expensive, either.

Tony Bish Golden Egg Chardonnay 2015 Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
13.5% alcohol. This is lovely. It’s rich but fresh with some peachy, spicy depth, some pear skin bite, and bright citrus notes, with a lovely fine grained, stony texture. There’s a really nice finish here, too. Very fine: the effect of the egg on the texture is really apparent. 93/100

Black Estate Home Chardonnay 2016 North Canterbury, New Zealand
Lively and vital with nuts, spice, lemon and pineapple notes all adding complexity. Lovely acidity here with focus and purity. Complex and delicious with real potential. 94/100

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