Highlights: three Chardonnays from Neudorf, Nelson, New Zealand
These three new releases from Neudorf are exceptional. They are one of the most highly-rated Chardonnay producers in New Zealand, and on the basis of this showing, it’s easy to see why.
Neudorf Rosie’s Block Moutere Chardonnay 2020 Nelson, New Zealand
14% alcohol. Moutere clay gravel soils. Wild ferment and ageing in barrel (18% new). This is really beautiful, with a lovely crystalline citrus fruit character and notes of spice, pear and white peach fruit, framed beautifully by delicate spiciness and good acidity. There’s the combination of concentration and elegance here, with the riper notes countered beautifully by lemony freshness. Very fine, with a delicate mineral underpinning. 95/100
Neudorf Rosie’s Block Twenty Five Rows Chardonnay 2020 Nelson, New Zealand
13.5% alcohol. This is from Moutere clay gravel soils, and it is wild-fermented in amphora. This is pure and linear with nice pear and citrus fruit, with a nice tensile personality, and notes of stone and mineral providing a counter to the pure fruit. Really fine and expressive, with a slight saltiness. This is pretty serious. 94/100
Neudorf Home Block Moutere Chardonnay 2020 Nelson, New Zealand
13.5% alcohol. Moutere clay gravel soils, wild ferment in barrel (10% new). This is very fine on the nose with some mealy, nutty, spicy notes as well as pear, apple and citrus. The palate is concentrated and dense with some richness to the pear and citrus fruit, with a bready, nutty character from the barrel fermentation and some lovely pear and peach notes. Nice intensity here, finishing spicy and intense. Serious stuff with great potential, but you can broach it now. 95/100
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