Zaria Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2018 $30

Crafted by Bryce Edmonds from Mendoza clone fruit grown ‘over the back fence’ of their home on Lesley’s Vineyard on Maraekakaho Road in the middle of the Bridge Pa Triangle.  The juice was fermented and matured for 10 months in 33% new oak during which time 100% of it went through malolactic fermentation.  This ‘malo’ injects creamy intensity and layers of butterscotchy brilliance which wraps itself around the ripe nectarine and grapefruity goodness.  It’s a rich, stylish, gloriously golden chardonnay that really sings in the glass.

www.zaria.co.nz