2019 Elephant Hill Hawkes Bay Chardonnay

"There’s no mistaking the allure of barrel spice and ripe yellow stone fruit aromas reflected in the bouquet. There’s also scents of gun flint and mineral, baked apple and apricot stone, a sweet new barrel note and fine lees complexity adds complexity and breadth. Nearing full-bodied with a creamy silky texture as the wine touches the palate, flavours of apple and peach, grapefruit and sea spray then a stony mineral and toasty barrel quality. Lovely weight and texture, balance and length. A delicious wine that Chardonnay fans will enjoy (a lot!). Best drinking from day of purchase and through 2027." Drink 2021 - 2027

"Bright, even, pale yellow with a slightly green hue. The nose is elegantly full and expressive, immediately filled the glass with toasted hazelnut, buttery popcorn underlying stonefruit, citrus, barrel flint and spice. Full-bodied, pure fruit aromas of peach, nectarine with a citrus base, enriched by barrel spice, hazelnut and buttery popcorn. The acidity is sherbety and seamless, carrying barrel spice, flint throughout the palate. Noticeable silky phenolics contribute to texture, along with a buttery flow. Flavours are harmonious and generous; combining the vibrant acidity shows vitality and ageing potential. Match with tiger prawns and poultry over the next 7+ years. Fruit from Te Awanga (85%) and Bridge Pa (15%), fermented in mostly older French oak with a portion in tank, 13 months on lees with regular stirring, 13% alc. 18.5+/20 pts (94 pts) Nov 20221 RRP $28."

"A stylish offering, the wine shows ripe peach, lemon pith, vanilla and roasted cashew characters on the nose with a hint of oatmeal complexity. The palate is concentrated and richly textured, delivering beautifully layered mouthfeel together with well-pitched acidity, leading to a persistent expansive finish. At its best: now to 2026. $28.00. www.elephanthill.co.nz. Dec 2021." Drink 2021 - 2026