The wonderful 2006 Rifleman’s Chardonnay, a hand-picked selection from 17- to 18-year-old vines on ungrafted roots matured in French barriques for one year on their lees. It has a fabulous nose of lime, apricot, white peach and white flowers all with super delineation. The palate is medium-bodied, very focused with hints of mandarin, orange zest and tinned peach leading to a natural, elegant finish. This is rightly feted as one of New Zealand’s finest Chardonnays and should drink splendidly over the next five years. Sacred Hill was founded in Hawkes Bay in the mid-80’s by David and Mark Mason, with David taking the lead role as managing director with winemaker Tony Bish (ex Corban’s and Rippon amongst others) returning to the fold in 1994. They produce four ranges of wine aimed at different price points, though I concentrated on their premium releases under the “Special Selection” banner plus a choice of Reserve wines. Some of their wines I felt were a little overdone, but the top wines deserve their plaudits. Importer: Diageo, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 299-2600