Walnut Block, ‘Nutcracker’ Chardonnay 2019

New Zealand winemakers are often more interested in Chardonnay than Sauvignon Blanc, and we were really impressed with the Chardonnays we encountered out there.

This golden beauty, from Clyde Sowman, the person behind small independent producer Walnut Block, is wild fermented in French oak, and the fruit is underscored by well-integrated notes of cedar, vanilla and toast; there’s a hint of struck match, and on the palate, there’s a wonderful tension, between a creamy generosity and a tight-grained structure.