Te Mata Estate Elston Chardonnay

Te Mata Estate Elston Chardonnay is hailed as one of New Zealand’s greatest Chardonnays. Heck, we wouldn’t wouldn’t disagree. This is a stunner every year and one we look forward to emptying a few bottles of upon release every vintage!

The 2020 is here, the 36th release of this famous label, and it’s another one to get excited about. This is the jewel in the crown for Chardonnay at Te Mata so they put their best foot forward on it every time you can be sure of that.

They showed their secret nerdy side naming this one “Elston”, named after Elston Hall in Nottinghamshire in the UK. It’s the ancestral home of Charle’s Darwin’s family. In their words, “Darwin’s ‘theory of natural selection’ forms the basis of modern evolutionary theory, the foundation of biology.” Sheesh, can we just enjoy a glass already?

It’s had all the usual high praise in high places, just what you’d expect for one of the finest…

95/100 (Huon Hooke, The Real Review)
“An outstanding full-bodied chardonnay with all the bells and whistles.”

5 Stars (Michael Cooper)
“This full bodied wine has concentrated stonefruit flavours to the fore, with biscuity and mealy notes adding complexity, fresh acidity and a long smooth, very harmonious finish.”

5 Stars, 96/100 (Sam Kim)
“It’s creamy and mouth coating with restrained elegance and grace.”

94/100 (Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review)
“First impression is of a satisfyingly creamy texture, then bright and refreshing acidity kicks in and the wine gains energy and becomes more vibrant, even mouth-watering. “

Lots of sweet stone fruit flavours and a moderately buttery finish. Drink it now or chuck some in the cellar and slurp away between now and five to six years from vintage and pair with seafood, poultry and soft, ripened cheeses.