Sourced primarily from the Havelock Hills, but with contributions from Bridge Pa and the Dartmoor Valley, the 2018 Elston Chardonnay artfully combines toasty, smoky notes with peach and pineapple fruit. The result is something akin to roasted hazelnuts or cashews and grilled fruit. Medium to full-bodied and generous without seeming overly rich, the wine remains focused and long on the mouthwatering finish. It's probably the best Elston to date.

Mainly Mendoza but with some Clone 95 and Clone 548 now appearing in the blend, the 2017 Elston Chardonnay is one of the highlights of this challenging vintage, according to winemaker Phil Brodie. Subtle toast notes frame pineapple and melon notes in this entirely barrel-fermented wine that saw 35% new French oak. It's medium to full-bodied, plump and custardy on the mid-palate but clean and crisp on the long, citrus-and-peach finish.

Classic scents of toasted hazelnuts and grilled peaches emerge on the nose of the 2016 Elston Chardonnay. It's completely barrel fermented and aged in a mix of used and new French oak, but this medium-bodied wine doesn't seem overoaked at all, as bright, citrusy beams of fruit shine on the long, elegant finish.

Te Mata's 2015 Elston Chardonnay is hitting its stride and should continue to drink well for a few more years. It shows lovely integration of oak and fruit, as they've fused together into an amalgam that's nearly impossible to pull apart into separate components. There's ripe stone fruit, hints of pencil shavings and a fine line of citrus that prolongs the finish, all rolled into a medium to full-bodied wine with a definite sense of grace and style.

Cool, nutty and mineral. Femine, restrained and graceful with notes reminiscent of white toast and drips of honey. Touch young and shy. 14% abv.