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Waipara ChardonnayThe Crater Rim Waipara Chardonnay 2015/2016
Tasted in mid 2018, the 2016 vintage (4*) is a youthful, estate-grown wine, hand-picked and fermented and lees-aged for 15 months in French oak barriques (partly new). Bright, light yellow/green, with a fragrant, citrusy bouquet, it is mouthfilling, with good intensity of grapefruit-like flavours, slightly buttery and toasty, and obvious potential; best drinking 2020+. Grown at two sites, the 2015 vintage (4.5*) was also barrel-fermented and lees-aged for 15 months. Maturing very gracefully, it is light lemon/green, with strong, vibrant, citrusy, gently peachy flavours, a subtle seasoning of biscuity oak adding complexity, and a finely poised, long finish. Michael Cooper The Crater Rim Waipara Chardonnay 2016 | 93/100 | 5 Stars A generously expressed chardonnay, the inviting bouquet shows yellow peach, orange peel, vanilla and toasted hazelnut characters with a hint of flinty complexity. The palate delivers excellent fruit weight and intensity, beautifully supported by creamy texture and supple mouthfeel. The wine is flavoursome and elegantly opulent. Sam Kim, Wine Orbit The Crater Rim Waipara Chardonnay 2018 | 94/100 | 5 Stars Gorgeously fruited and impressively composed, the inviting bouquet shows apricot, mango, lemon peel and cedar characters with hints of brioche and vanilla pod. The palate delivers excellent concentration and weight, superbly complemented by velvety texture and multi-layered mouthfeel. Sam Kim, Wine Orbit. View the 2015 Tasting Notes View the 2016 Tasting Notes View the 2018 Tasting Notes |
