The 2006 Terroir Series Waihirere Chardonnay does not have much on the nose, although the palate is well balanced with nicely integrated oak. Creamy finish with apple, dried apricot and just a touch of spice. Good length. Commercial but well crafted. Drink now-2011.

The 2005 Terroir Series Waihirere Gisborne Chardonnay has a pale green-tinged hue. The nose is a little bland, very neutral with faint aromas of apple and a touch of sherbet in the background that becomes stronger with aeration. A soft entry, a little low in acidity but I like the way the aromatics are tempered and never become blowsy or overbearing. Apple, pineapple, a touch of guava and mango decorate the palate that is just a little linear on the finish. Still, this is a decent, well-balanced Chardonnay. Part of the Pernod-Ricard Group, this large-scale Marlborough-based producer will be known to many as “Montana” except those in the USA where it is marketed as “Brancott” to avoid confusion with the state. This is one of New Zealand’s most successful producers, with 1.4 million cases sold under the Montana name each year (see also Stoneleigh, also owned by Pernod-Ricard.) There are four ranges within their portfolio: the premium wines selected for the “Letter Series,” limited releases under the “Terroir Series,” then the more commercial ranges “Montana Reserves” and “Montana Classics”. Some I would describe as fault-free, dependable, commercial wines that slake the thirst of the masses however, the wines listed here certainly do merit inclusion, their intrinsic quality often equal to boutique wineries.Importer, Allied Domecq Wines, USA, Healdsburg, CA; tel. (707) 433-8268