Moutere Hills Sarau Reserve Chardonnay 2018 $55 
Nelson chardonnay is oft overshadowed by the big names from the likes of Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne – but I tell you what, if more people get their chops around chardonnay like this, then Nelson will storm the stage. The Sarau Reserve is Moutere Hills flagship wine, made by the ridiculously talented Rusty Rayne (best. name. ever.) and he only makes it in years when the fruit is absolutely exceptional. It’s an elegantly structured, juicylicious chardonnay showing cinnamon bun and lemon icing notes on the nose alongside hints of grilled grapefruit, roast nectarine and a squeak of smoke. It has verve and tension, the textures are taut and the tannins are foxy, and it’s fabulous with chicken of any description.
