Sacred Hill Riflemans Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2016 $65 
Riflemans should be, in my opinion, given national treasure status for its services to chardonnay appreciation in this country. Created in years when the fruit from this heritage-status vineyard in the upper reaches of the Dartmoor Valley, is deemed nothing less than exceptional, this wine is an exercise in both power and restraint. Scented with fresh-baked bagel, cashew and toasted almonds, alongside grapefruit sorbet, roast nectarine and a whiff of struck match, it readies you for an avalanche of fresh citrus and perfectly poised, peachy pluckiness on the palate. En pointe in terms of acidity and alcohol, while the finish is laced with a smoky, gorgeously generous texture. Outstanding. Simply outstanding.
