2008 Kupe Chardonnay, Escarpment, Martinborough, NZ Abt 33 EUR in Sweden.
Escarpments top Chardonnay from their Kupe vineyard. I've tasted most of their Pinot Noirs from several vintages, including Kupe Pinot Noir and simply love them, but this was the first time for me I could taste the Kupe Chardonnay.
A rather deep, golden colour gives a hint of what is to be expected from the wine. The nose is of deep, ripe yellow fruit - melon and plums, plus just a hint of tropical fruits, maybe a whiff of mango.
The taste starts out fresh and lively, but the ripe fruitiness soon grows and fills the mouth. Although the taste is intense and full, it is not heavy. More intensity and peppery than powerful. A chewy mouthfeel, almost a bit oily and a decent acidity, although I, normally a Riesling drinker, could perhaps ask for slightly more acidity. A long, deep and peppery finish with a nice, dry mouthfeel. Any new oak that this wine might have been exposed to is completely hidden behind the lovely fruit.
A great wine with depth and intensity. Probably the best I have tasted from New Zeeland. This producer really makes great wines. Not sure how this wine will age, but I'll save my two remaining bottles for some time to see what happens.
Cheers,
Anders