Mt. Beautiful, North Canterbury (South Island, New Zealand) Chardonnay 2017

 According to the winemaker’s notes, inclement weather required a crew to harvest a portion of the Chardonnay grapes earlier than they would have chosen.  Fortunately, the grapes they harvested later were some of the best the estate has ever produced.  Grapes were whole bunch pressed to preserve delicate fruit flavors and the juice was separated with half going to tanks and half to new and neutral barrels for fermentation.  The wine in barrel underwent a partial malolactic fermentation, and the wines from both pickings spent ten months on lees.  In retrospect, these factors explain the intriguing contradictions I encountered when tasting this beguiling wine.  Its striking honey-lemon color belie the subtle, chalky, citrus aromas.  In the mouth, Meyer lemon flavors open to peach and ripe apple with a round, creamy texture animated by vivid acidity.  It is at once rich and subtle and delicious.  Enjoy it with grilled halibut or roasted chicken.  Imagine my delight when I discovered the price!