2007 Neudorf Moutere Chardonnay.  This is arguably New Zealand’s greatest chardonnay label.  It certainly has performed with distinction in every blind comparative tasting we have conducted over the last decade.  Many of the most amazing chardonnay experiences I have experienced have involved various vintages of this label.  I remember fondly the 94, 96, 97, 01, 04 and 05 especially.   The 2007 version comes from an excellent vintage in Nelson.  In fact on paper it was stellar.

The wine in the glass shows a little colour already displaying a green light straw colour. The nose is classy and rich with notes of sweet grapefruit, lemon meringue, nougat and a faint vein of caramel. The palate shows gorgeous seductive fleet footed texture. It is seamless and lithe with flavours of grapefruit and citrus pith, augmented by threads of butterscotch, lemon/ passionfruit curd and cashew.  It is a softer, more subtle Neudorf than I remember of past vintages displaying elegance and style with a long focussed citrus finish. It displays a gorgeous presence, deceptive concentration and power wrapped in a silky, creamy texture.  Surprisingly, and uncharacteristically, this vintage seems very attractive and approachable young.  I don’t think there is anything to stop anyone from cracking one this Christmas as suggested by the winery mailer. This is a benchmark wine. At this stage I would suggest cellaring for up to five years.  Based on the performance of previous vintages this could even be conservative. 100/109