Millton, Opou Vineyard Chardonnay, Gisborne

A private lunch (Restaurant Librije's Zusje Amsterdam, Amsterdam, NL) : Clayey soils. Buttery, earthy style but not oaky, hint of caramel, orange, good weight, creamy, good acidity, flavoursome but not very precise or detailed; good length.

Good depth of colour, greenish gold. Good development on the nose as well, with hazelnut, greengage, a touch of bitter smoke, butter, French oak. I usually don't dig overt malo characteristics but this is very classy. Full bodied in the mouth, ripe musky peach fruit, good acidity. Finishes well with toasted French oak and grapeskin acidity. Excellent. The only thing in my book that separates this from a good Meursalt is the finish, which doesn't have as much minerals. Otherwise …

Slightly reductive when opened but blew over with a bit of air. Honeyed, peachy and biscuity on the nose with a silky, creamy texture on the palate as well as spice from the oak. Medium finish.