2020 Elephant Hill Sea Viognier

"This is sophisticated and engaging on the nose with ripe apricot, fig, lemon peel and roasted cashew characters with a hint of oatmeal complexity. The concentrated palate delivers plush mouthfeel and beautifully integrated acidity, leading to a generously rich yet firmly structured finish. Wonderfully satisfying. At its best: now to 2027."

"Bright, pale yellow with a light green hue, even colour throughout. This has a gently full, voluminous entry, stonefruit, pear melded with flint, roasted almond, lees element and floral hints. Full-bodied, bright on the entry, pear and stonefruit entwined with an amalgam of fine spice and white floral; a subtle note of roasted almonds, flint, and creaminess enriched the palate and lent a long, elegant finish. The mouthfeel is slightly creamy with an unctuous texture, supported by acid tension. This elegant Viognier possesses fresh acidity and fruit with barrel-fermentation complexity, spice and floral elegance. Match with chicken ballotine and blue cod beurre blanc over the next 5 years. Fruit from Te Awanga, handpicked, fermented in tank (60%) and seasoned French oak (40%) to 13.5% alc, aged 6 months on fine lees with occasional stirring. 18.5+/20 pts (94 pts) July 2022 RRP $34." Drink 2022 - 2027

"This is quite the elegant satin textured wine with flavours of fresh white and yellow apricots, some crisp apple and a whisper of citrus. Moderate acidity and medium+ weight delivers a wine with a core of fruit and texture not to dissimilar to chardonnay without oak and with a dry finish. Balanced, elegant and well made plus it’s ready to drink from 2022 through 2026."