Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The stunning 2010 Chardonnay Moutere continues to drink well. Fermented and aged in 30% new oak, there's a hint of charred wood evident, but this medium to full-bodied, richly textured wine balances that element with ripe notes of honeyed oranges and pineapple. There's still ample energy and length, but I wouldn't push this wine too much further.
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.
Rolling hills evolve from a scenic coastline to form an ideal setting for Sauvignon Blanc vineyards. Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay rank in after New Zealand’s prized varietal as most widely planted in Nelson. The region is slightly cooler and has more precipitation on average compared to Marlborough.