White Wine Chateau Montelena Chardonnay 2018. The Chateau Montelena Chardonnay is one of the world’s most famous white wines thanks to the Judgement of Paris wine competition in 1976 which helped put the estate on the map. The competition pitted top wines from Burgundy against wines from California which were all tasted blind by the panel of French wine experts. To the surprise of the world, the judges selected the Chateau Montelena Chardonnay as the best white wine, placing it ahead of many famous white Burgundies. Despite winning this competition, the Chateau Montelena Chardonnay has remained remarkably affordable and still offers exceptional value for money for those looking for an alternative to expensive white Burgundies. Following vinification the young wine is aged in French oak barrels for 10 months to add extra complexity and depth. On the nose there are intense hints of white peaches, green apples and lemon zest while the first sip reveals a generous full body, soft tannins, and rich tropical fruit flavours which linger long on the tongue. There are delicious hints of sweet spices, smoke, and toast from the oak ageing. This is a wine that is delicious to drink now, although it can also be cellared for at least another decade for those that have the patience to wait.
2018
White Wine Chateau Montelena Chardonnay 2018
White Wine Ohau Woven Stone Sauvignon Blanc 2018. Decanting time: A few hours An old Sauvignon Blanc favourite selection amongst Wellington locals, this recent vintage doesn’t disappoint its legacy for excellent value, fresh flavour, and expansive aromas. This is a sustainably focussed winery that is known for its consistent quality, attention to detail, and focus on flavour. The fresh, herbal undertone is indicative of this selection in previous vintages, creating a consistent lineage of flavour and substance. Exuberant, yet sophisticated aromas of exotic, fresh fruits and bright citrus undertones A very full, crisp flavour of citrus dances on the palate, and there is no disappointment in the craft that is clearly behind the consistent, refreshing delivery. Rich, succulent mouthfeel that leads into a delightful and crisp finish. This wine is excellent paired with fresh seafood, antipasto, and grilled summer vegetables. Some time for opening is recommended, and the complex flavours that open up after a few hours will reward your patience. Value and expertise combine to deliver a quality, memorable wine. Very tasty and lively.
2018
White Wine Clai Ottocento Bijeli 2018. With just 8 hectares under vine, this boutique winery has been in the hands of the same family for generations and is currently run by talented winemaker Giorgio Clai. The Clai family’s winemaking philosophy centres around a celebration of indigenous grapes which they skillfully blend with popular international varieties that suit the Istrian terroir. Their Bijeli is a dry white blend of local Istrian malvasia, Pinot gris, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc which are all harvested from the family’s organically-farmed vineyards on the Istrian Peninsula close to the border with Italy. After the harvest the grape must is vinified along with the skins using wild yeasts which are naturally present on the skins of the grapes. The wine is then aged in large wooden casks for around 15 months to soften and integrate the four different components until Giorgio decides it is ready to bottle and release. Giorgio’s wines have developed a cult following in top restaurants and wine bars all over the world and it’s easy to see why once you take a sip of his stunning Bijeli. On the nose there are seductive notes of lemon curd, acacia flowers, ripe peaches and caramel, while the palate is well-rounded with spicy hints from the barrel ageing and plenty of ripe stone fruit and orange flavours.
2018