2020 Tony Bish Zen Chardonnay

"This is stunningly refined and poised, showing nectarine, fig, nougat, hazelnut and sweet pastry aromas on the nose. The palate displays exceptional weight and focus, combined with creamy texture and brilliantly pitched acidity, leading to a prolonged exquisite finish. Alluring and ethereal with layers of enticing flavours and textures. At its best: 2024 to 2034. $140.00. www.tonybishwines.co.nz. Nov 2022." Drink 2024 - 2034

"Bright, pale yellow with depth and a light gold hue, even colour throughout. This has an elegant, persisting bouquet, aromas of citrus and stonefruit, interwoven with delicate spice and hazelnut harmoniously. Medium-full bodied, aromas of lemon, lemon curd and grapefruit zest entwined with white peach, enveloping delicate spice of cardamom, grounded nutmeg, and hazelnut. Vivacious, seamless acidity carries whipped butter and spice to linearity; well-proportioned spice and nut nuances adorn the palate with poise. This refined, harmonious Chardonnay shows an effortless flow with tension and immense balance. Match with crayfish carpaccio and sea urchin over the next 10 years. Fruit from the dry-farmed Skeetfield block, Mendoza clone. Handpicked, indigenous yeast fermented in French oak ovum egg and new Taransaud French oak barriques (40%) to 13% alc, underwent full MLF, unfined, unfiltered. 19.5/20 (98 pts) Dec 2022 RRP $140." Drink 2022 - 2032

"A very elegant, sophisticated and complex bouquet with aromas of pure, ripe new season stone fruits, some lees autolysis textures, flowers, a fine layer of grapefruit and apple. Fantastic on the palate, a silky-cream texture touches first, and lasts, contrasting acidity then core fruit flavours to reflect the boquuet fold in. Fine textures and layers of complexity from the ovum unfild as the wine opens up on the palate with a soft vanilla spice and sweet wood quality. Textures from the lees add complexity and breadth. A fantastic wine with excellent drinking from 2023 through 2033." Drink 2023 - 2033