The 2007 EC2 Chardonnay is more leesy on the nose with a touch of mandarin and grapefruit, but good definition. The palate is still relatively unresolved, again quite leesy with good acidity, notes of lime, apple, watermelon and grapefruit, though it does not quite have the tension nor the minerality of the 2006. Founded in 1992 by ex-financier Michael Daymond-King, Hatton Estate own 16 hectares of vine on Gimblett Gravels in Hawkes Bay. Michael told me that he realized that it might be possible to produce a Chablis in this sub-region. The wines are produced in small quantities and are listed in prestigious restaurants such as Charlie Trotter and Gordon Ramsay. For various American importers, check the website at www.hattonestate.com

The 2006 EC2 Chardonnay is much better, slightly deeper in color with more minerality than the previous vintage, with aromas of wet pavement, limestone and citrus fruits. The palate is medium-bodied with excellent acidity, good nervosite with green apple, lime and a touch of orange zest towards the precise finish. An outstanding Chardonnay. Founded in 1992 by ex-financier Michael Daymond-King, Hatton Estate own 16 hectares of vine on Gimblett Gravels in Hawkes Bay. Michael told me that he realized that it might be possible to produce a Chablis in this sub-region. The wines are produced in small quantities and are listed in prestigious restaurants such as Charlie Trotter and Gordon Ramsay. For various American importers, check the website at www.hattonestate.com

Named after the London post-code where he lived, the 2005 EC2 Chardonnay has a muted nose with hints of white flowers, apple, lime and kiwi fruit all with very good definition. The palate is medium-bodied with good acidity, although perhaps lacking a little personality. Notes of lime, citrus fruit and a touch of dried apricot on the finish, I feel it could do with a little more tension and joie-de-vivre. Founded in 1992 by ex-financier Michael Daymond-King, Hatton Estate own 16 hectares of vine on Gimblett Gravels in Hawkes Bay. Michael told me that he realized that it might be possible to produce a Chablis in this sub-region. The wines are produced in small quantities and are listed in prestigious restaurants such as Charlie Trotter and Gordon Ramsay. For various American importers, check the website at www.hattonestate.com