Martinborough Wine & Food Society: Chardonnay night

Six wines were tasted from different parts of the world: South of France, California, South Australia and New Zealand.

We were lucky to have with us past president Shelley and former cellar master Laurence Goldsmith who have shifted south but were passing through.They showed wonderful hospitality and kindness to members over the years but especially during lockdown, for which we again thank them.

Wine presentation was given by the knowledgeable John Penney accompanied by an excellent hand-out, which aptly described the parameters of Chardonnay. 

It will grow in most districts and display the characteristics of that region, from full-bodied to mineral and more elegant styles. Other considerations include: how much oak is used, or not; the use of malolactic fermentation to soften the wine, whether made in stainless or a barrel ferment and how long it is left on lees. 

Chardonnay is capable of a range of expressions depending on what the winemaker chooses to do with it.

The first pair of wines were from the Languedoc, not made under strict appellation control but the Pays D’Oc.

First was Domaine La Baume Les Vignes de Madame Chardonnay 2020.The wine is grown in silty clay limestone, fermented in stainless steel. It says made in the presence of wood!!!! So presumably oak chips. I personally found this wine very drinkable and good value. 

The other was from Calmel & Joseph Villa Blanche Chardonnay 2021 had a range of gold and silver awards but did not drink as well as the first Languedoc.

The next pair were from California and South Australia. The Californian Three Finger Jack Gold Mine Hills 2020 was simply huge! It had an alcohol of 14.5% from a winery apparently best known for its Zinfandel.

The South Australian Farmhand Monash Valley Organic Chardonnay 2021, made in a lighter style at just 12.5 %, the wine flavours are described as laden with stone fruit and citrus flavours and nectarine with subtle creamy notes.

The last pair were from New Zealand, Te Awanga the Loom Reserve Hawkes Bay. This wine is 100% organically produced from the Mendosa clone and whole-bunch pressed and left on lees for ten months before bottling with 40% new oak. Citrus and stone fruit aromas with a spicey complexity. 

Finally, the Alexander 2020 Martinborough Chardonnay, described by Cameron Douglas as balanced and well made in a Chablis style.