2016 Now finished: CRAIGHALL CHARDONNAY, Ata Rangi. Martinborough, New Zealand

Martinborough (bottom of the north Island) is chiefly famous for Pinot Noir (especially that of Ata Rangi). It’s logical that where you find great Pinot (think Burgundy) you will also find great Chardonnay.

100% Chardonnay, fermented with natural yeasts in French oak, 25% new, where it matured for 9 months.

Clive Paton is the softly-spoken owner of Ata Rangi, pioneer of great New Zealand (not just Martinborough) Pinot Noir. He hosted an impressive Old Bridge wine dinner a decade ago. But the winemaking expertise for many years has come from the brilliant Helen Masters.

New Zealand Chardonnays can be a bit clumsy, a bit too ‘edgy’. This has nutty spice but lovely balance too.