The 2006 Chardonnay exhibits a complex, slightly honeyed, orange-zest infused nose whilst the palate has a crisp, slightly spicy finish and moderate length. Drink over 2-3 years. Neudorf is undoubtedly one of the leading lights of Nelson, one of the top wineries in New Zealand. Located on north-facing slopes in the Moutere Hills on sandy-loam topsoil with clay subsoil that engender natural acidity; under winemaker John Kavanagh, Neudorf is producing high quality wines that aspire towards the Old World, suffused with minerality and nervosite. Everything except the Sauvignon Blanc is hand-picked and generally the Brightwater wines are fermented using cultured yeasts whilst the Mouteres use wild ferments.Importer: Epic Wines, Santa Cruz, CA; tel. (831) 689-9080

Lovely scents of toasted hazelnuts, apple and lime set the stage for a top-flight Chardonnay. It’s medium- to full-bodied, round and broad in the mouth, then gains focus on the lime-driven finish. Delicious now, and should hold up well in the cellar for up to six years.——J.C.(12/1/2007)—— 90