Last year we were lucky enough to taste a very exciting new project from New Zealand's South Island. We loved it and bought the entire parcel on the spot, selling out quickly to a few lucky buyers. This year, we're delighted to have secured a parcel that allows us to offer Abel's brilliant 2020 Tasman Chardonnay more widely.

Compared to the neighbouring region of Marlborough, Nelson is better known for its orchards and crops (including hops). The region is home to a clutch of boutique wineries where small is beautiful and the focus is more artisanal than commercial. Vineyards here look more like gardens than large scale agriculture. Abel is one such winery.

The first vintage here was 2018. The fruit comes from the rolling hills of the Moutere Valley where rich clay soils, high sunshine hours and a glorious maritime climate make the perfect conditions for Chardonnay. We were first seduced by "Coche-like" 2019 and, with the 2020, they have developed and honed the style, culminating in an intense and mineral Chardonnay that will square up to plenty of the famous names of the Côte d'Or.  

At £210 per 12 bottles in bond, or £195 per 12 in bond for 2+ cases, this is an awful lot of wine for the money. The wine is with us and available for immediate delivery.