Gentle notes of toasted grain mark the nose of the 2018 Mate's Vineyard Chardonnay, framing ripe pineapple and white peach aromas. There's a hint of bacon fat too. On the medium-bodied palate, the wine is slightly custardy and silky, while at the same time, it's crisp and focused, tightening on the finish into a coiled spring of citrus zest. Like most vintages of Mate's, this ideally needs a couple of years in the cellar to fully express itself. Joe Czerwinski, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Flagship chardonnay with typically concentrated white peach, citrus, lime, honey and spicy oak flavours. A generously-proportioned chardonnay with obvious cellaring potential. Bob Campbell MW
Region: Auckland, New Zealand
Grape Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Critic Rating: Robert Parker Wine Advocate 93 Points, Bob Campbell 95 Points
Suggested Drink Window: 2021 - 2030