Tony Bish Zen Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2019

Tony Bish Zen Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2019"Fermented and matured in a French, oak egg known as an Ovum. Richly textured Chardonnay with peaches and cream, toasted nut and bread crust flavours supported by a backbone of tangy acidity" Bob Campbell, Master of Wine, Real Review, April 2021 "Exquisitely fine and poised, the wine shows ripe stone fruit, lemon peel, roasted hazelnut and subtle savoury notes on the nose. It's superbly concentrated and finely textured on the palate, delivering layers

"Fermented and matured in a French, oak egg known as an Ovum. Richly-textured Chardonnay with peaches and cream, toasted nut and bread crust flavours supported by a backbone of tangy acidity" Bob Campbell, Master of Wine, Real Review, April 2021 

"Exquisitely fine and poised, the wine shows ripe stone fruit, lemon peel, roasted hazelnut and subtle savoury notes on the nose. It's superbly concentrated and finely textured on the palate, delivering layers of delicate texture and complex flavours, leading to a prolonged sophisticated finish. At its best: 2024 to 2034" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Mar 2021

"Bright, pale yellow-gold with some depth, faintly lighter edged. The bouquet is voluminous with purity, aromas of roasted hazelnuts, barrel spice, melded with yellow peaches, citrus, brioche and a wildflower, chamomile underlay. Medium-full bodied, the palate is well-rounded and smooth, aromas of lemon curd, yellow peaches, have an elegant core, adorned by wildflower, chamomile underlay. Restrained roasted hazelnuts, barrel spices grow in volume, added structure to the well-rounded palate, the subtle spices and pure fruit intensity lead to an elegant, lengthy, lingering finish. The palate is buttery in the most elegant way, along a chalky mineral line; buoyant acidity flow smoothly and seamlessly. This wine has elegance yet has the rawness and authenticity that intrigues and blow-my-mind. This is a unique and authentic Chardonnay in the purest and most elegant form, with strength and intensity. Match with squid-ink risotto and crayfish over the next 6-8 years. The third release, single-vineyard Skeetfield block, Mendoza clone. Handpicked, fermented in French oak ovum egg and new French oak barriques to 13.5%. Full MLF" Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Reviews, Mar 2021

"Complex, delicate, mysterious and captivating with aromas of pure, ripe and fresh orchard fruits, citrus then peach, apple then quince. A lees complexity simmers throughout the bouquet with a sense of earth and mineral weaving through and getting stronger as the wine opens up. Equally complex, youthful and captivating on the palate - a wine as much about texture as it is flavour and origin. The taste of Mendoza clone is powerful with a tangerine and lemon peach core. The oak is quiet and soft with lees adding texture, shape and form. Long finish, complex and special. Ideal drinking can be today through 2025+ though best keep a few bottles in your cellar till later in 2022 to then discover the true potential for this unique expression" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier, 2021

Voluminous aroma of roasted hazelnuts, peach, brioche and citrus rind. Delightful and pure. The palate is utterly harmonious with lemon curd, yellow peach and roasted hazelnut complexity. The fruit intensity builds to a long persistent and seamless finish. Cellar up to 6 years.

Food: Half-dozen Bluff oysters on ice finger lime with dill and green hot sauce.