Region | |
---|---|
Subregion | New Zealand > Auckland |
Colour | White |
Type | Still |
Really seductive nose of candied lemons, honeysuckle and vanilla, then stunning concentration and elegance on the medium to full palate, the finish very ripe and polished. Delicious now, but with a great future ahead of it. Screw cap.
The 2015 Mate's Vineyard Chardonnay is a cracking example of this vineyard/vintage, starting with a youthfully reticent nose of lemon curd, grapefruit juice and peach blossoms with hints of crushed stones, lime leaves and brioche. The medium-bodied palate is tightly wound with an electric backbone of freshness supporting the intense citrus and mineral flavors, finishing with great length. It needs another 3-4 years in bottle to really get into its groove.
Yellow peaches and apricots the nose has a rich mix of fruits the palate breadth and depth. The supple fleshiness on the mid palate in underpinned by citrus a streak of freshness and although richer at the back the finish is flinty and bright. 2018-27
Bright lemon colour in the glass, the nose here is immediately aromatic with great density of ripe lemon, peach and even a little apricot cream on the nose. The palate is broad, ripe and viscous with incredible concentration and weight of ripe stone fruits. Hints of cream, gun-smoke, and even toasted oats give a great breadth and complexity to the flavour profile. The volume of flavour is lifted by balancing, refreshing acidity. The finish is very long and powerful. This is one of the best Maté's Vineyard wines in years, hugely impressive.
Big and brawny but not that expressive aromatically. All potential rather than reality. Edgy and grainy and intense.
Drink 2020-2034
This is an expression of many important things: old vines, family heritage, Mendoza clone and proven cellaring pedigree. It smells of white peaches with attractive hazelnutty oak (30% new), lemon peel and flinty elements. The palate delivers a powerful combination of complexity and refinement. This wine is succulently fine, unashamedly ripe and enticingly taut. The masterpiece. Drink now.