Vidal Legacy Chardonnay 2019, Hawkes Bay

A complex and intriguing bouquet - sweet, ripe stone fruits, citrus peel and wood spices. Pure and fresh aromas with layers of gun flint and stony mineral, fine lees complexity and white smoke. No mistaking the use of new French barrel, but this adds to the complexity and drive. On the palate - youthful, tense, varietal and loaded with textures, spices, oak and a core of fruit. Flavours of grapefruit and pith, peaches and apples, spicy pear, vanilla and wet chalk. Fine wood tannins, medium+ acidity and complex beguiling finish. A fantastic example. Buy as much as you can - this wine will reward from today and through 2026+. Congratulations Sir George Fistonich and winemaker Hugh Crichton - wine maker.

98 Points

Outstanding

It is so very sad that this brand is no longer being made - I view it as an icon in Aotearoa’s wine sector and an exemplar for Chardonnay producers.