Tony Bish

Tony Bish ‘Skeetfield’ Chardonnay 2016 Hawkes Bay

Very engaging bouquet with aromas of citrus flesh and peel, peach and red apple, the bouquet also has texture from sulphide-like residue and natural ferment scents, seamless connection of oak and fruit, quite complex and continues to unfurl in glass over several minutes. On the palate – youthful, textured, fruity and flavourful; while I notice the oak more on the palate it still displays a seamless link with the fruit, weighty, fine oak tannins, loads of texture and flavour of citrus, apple and stone fruit; long finish. A lovely example of Chardonnay done well. Drink now and through 2028.

95 Points

Tony Bish ‘Golden Egg’ Chardonnay 2016 Hawkes Bay

Distinctive and very engaging aromas with texture, fruit, spice, shape and form; suggestions of grapefruit, red apple, white peach and white baking spices; the sulphide action from the higher solids in the ferment show-off a flinty almost mineral quality. On the palate – silk-like texture at first then a gentle creamy texture takes over; flavours of citrus and stone fruits, plenty of acidity and bite, a gentle warmth and mineral-like flinty notes return. A very complex example that requires time and understanding to know. Well done Tony – very nice indeed! Drink now and through 2028

94 Points