Mahi Twin Valleys Vineyard Chardonnay 2007, Marlborough

Last week's L4 tasting focused on light-bodied reds and highly alcoholic reds.  Scored well enough for the former, but not as much for the latter - the rather sweet CdP threw me right off my tracks and the Amarone wasn't so typical.  Guess I need to taste more of those!

Anyway the best surprise was the Chardonnay that the host so generously brought to dinner for us to share:

Bright pale lemon colour.  Good nose of citrus with a hint of vanilla.  Dry with lively acidity, medium body and balanced structure.  Plenty of green and citrus fruit, even with some hazelnut flavours.  Nice length.  The wine continued to evolve in the glass with time, showing off multiple layers minerality, fresh cream and restraint toasty oak.  Very well made and beats many Burgundys at a fraction of the price!